October 24, 2025 | Mangaluru, Karnataka
As India sets its sights on becoming a global maritime powerhouse, the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) is poised to take center stage at the prestigious India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, kicking off on October 27 in Mumbai. As the event's Platinum Sponsor, NMPA will showcase Karnataka's burgeoning maritime ecosystem, spotlighting five decades of innovation, green infrastructure, and economic contributions that align with the nation's Amrit Kaal 2047 vision.
The five-day extravaganza, hosted at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from October 27 to 31, will draw over 500 exhibitors, global delegations, policymakers, and industry titans to deliberate on themes like sustainable shipping, digital transformation, and coastal economic growth. With India's maritime sector handling 95% of its trade by volume, IMW 2025—under the banner "Samudra Se Samridhi Tak" (From Seas to Prosperity)—aims to unlock investments and partnerships to propel the Blue Economy toward a $30 trillion economy by 2047.
NMPA, established in 1974 with just four berths, has evolved into a cargo-handling behemoth, processing 46.01 million metric tonnes (MMT) annually and serving as a vital gateway for commodities like crude oil, LPG, fertilizers, containers, and agri-products. Celebrating its 50th anniversary at IMW, the port authority will highlight transformative projects, including the mechanization of Berth 14, a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital under public-private partnership (PPP), modern truck terminals, warehouse expansions, and a dedicated cruise gate.
At the heart of NMPA's presentation are its pioneering sustainable initiatives, positioning Mangalore as a model for eco-friendly port operations. The port runs on 100% solar power, a milestone in green energy adoption that underscores its commitment to reducing carbon footprints amid rising global scrutiny on maritime emissions. Digital reforms, including automation and smart technologies, further enhance efficiency while fostering port-led community development and skill-building programs. "Karnataka's vibrant coastline and strategic trade linkages make us a key player in India's maritime ascent, but we must balance growth with ocean stewardship," said NMPA Chairman A.V. Ramana during a stakeholders' meeting in Mangaluru on October 23.
Ramana, a linchpin in the event's agenda, will lead several high-profile sessions to amplify these efforts:
Karnataka State Session: "Exploring PPP Synergies for a Sustainable Blue Economy"** – Focusing on collaborations in ports, fisheries, coastal infrastructure, and marine innovation to drive eco-conscious expansion.
Maritime Digitalisation & Future Tech Summit’s Global CEO Roundtable (October 30) – Discussions on investment priorities, regulatory reforms, coastal shipping growth, shipbuilding, cruise tourism, and port-led industrialization.
GMIS Session on Cruise and Passenger Economy: "Sailing into Prosperity: Navigating Opportunities in Cruise and Passenger Mobility" – Moderated by Ramana, this panel will explore coastal cruising, passenger terminals, leisure tourism, Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger (ROPAX) services, and river cruises to elevate India as a cruise hub.
NMPA won't go it alone; it will join forces with port-led industries like Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), New Mangalore Thermal Power and Container Power and Water Company (NTCPWC), and the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK). This consortium will engage in B2B meetings, policy forums, and technology showcases, with expectations high for Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) totaling around ₹53,000 crore in investments. These pacts could accelerate NMPA's ambition to scale to a 100 MMT mega-port by 2047 through capacity upgrades and service enhancements.
The event's emphasis on sustainability resonates deeply with NMPA's ethos. As Ramana noted, "IMW 2025 is our gateway to India's maritime future—through technology, green initiatives, and global ties, we're not just handling cargo; we're empowering lives today, tomorrow, and forever." Beyond panels, NMPA's booth will offer immersive demos of its smart port technologies, inviting visitors to "step into the smart port era" and witness how innovation meets environmental responsibility.
As preparations intensify just days before the curtain rises, NMPA's showcase at IMW 2025 stands as a testament to Karnataka's maritime potential—from humble beginnings to a beacon of sustainable prosperity. With eyes on fostering international collaborations, the event promises to chart new courses for India's seafaring ambitions, ensuring the waves of progress lift all boats.
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