The strategic partnership, led by Minister Nitesh Rane, marks the first-ever collaboration between Abu Dhabi Ports and an Indian state government, set to transform Maharashtra’s maritime and port infrastructure.
Mumbai, October 29, 2025: In a historic move, the Government of Maharashtra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Ports Group, in association with the Investment Resource & Presidential Office of Abu Dhabi, ushering in a new era of international cooperation in India’s maritime sector. The signing took place in the presence of the Ministry of Ports, symbolizing a major step toward global collaboration in port and maritime infrastructure development.
The agreement envisions investments of up to USD 2 billion across diverse sectors, including shipbuilding, ship-breaking, water transport, port infrastructure, and sports management. This initiative reinforces Maharashtra’s position as a leading maritime hub and a key driver of India’s Blue Economy.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Nitesh Rane, Minister of Ports & Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, said:
“It was a challenging initiative; however, our vision to make Maharashtra a leading maritime hub kept us determined. Today, we are proud to see this partnership take shape. This is also the first-ever agreement by the Port of Abu Dhabi with any Indian state government, underscoring Maharashtra’s strategic importance and global readiness for maritime expansion and Blue Economy growth.”
The ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Minister of Ports & Fisheries Shri Nitesh Rane, Additional Chief Secretary Shri Sanjay Sethi, CEO, Maharashtra Maritime Board, Shri Pradeep P, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports, Mr. Ahmad Al Mutawa, CEO, Equiline Group, Mr. Salah Al Nasser, and Managing Director & CEO, Rural Enhancers Group, Mr. Ambar Ayade.
This partnership aims to accelerate technological collaboration, port modernization, logistics development, and maritime employment generation. It aligns with Maharashtra’s long-term Vision 2030 of fostering a Blue Economy-driven growth model, promoting sustainability, innovation, and global competitiveness within the state’s maritime ecosystem.
