Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) will host the second ‘Ports Conclave’ at Novotel here on July 14-15 as part of the country’s commitment to strengthen regional maritime connectivity and cooperation across the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) region.
Themed ‘Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation and Sustainable Partnerships,’ the event would bring together ministerial delegations, port authorities, maritime experts and business leaders from BIMSTEC member countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
“Since VPA is India’s Eastern Gateway and a leader in green and smart port initiatives, and with its advanced port infrastructure, cruise terminal and multimodal logistics ecosystem, Visakhapatnam has been considered for the conclave to discuss the next phase of BIMSTEC’s Maritime journey,” said VPA secretary Venugopal.
“BIMSTEC plays a pivotal role in creating a prosperous, secure and resilient Indo-Pacific, in line with India’s Act East Policy, Neighbourhood First and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision,” Mr. Venugopal said.
The first edition of the conclave was held in Visakhapatnam in November 2019 under the theme ‘The Blue Seas Synergy Summit.’
Some of the key takeaways included establishment of a Cruise Tourism Task Force and launch of the Chennai–Sri Lanka cruise circuit. Boost of ₹45,000 crore to India’s Inland Waterways network. Operationalisation of Sittwe Port in Myanmar under Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit. Acceleration of digital port connectivity through PCS 1x, SagarSetu, and Logistics Data Bank (LDB) platforms, he added.
The second edition conclave aims to turbocharge regional maritime growth by unlocking private investment and infrastructure partnerships across BIMSTEC ports. Fast-tracking Kaladan Multimodal Transit Corridor and associated logistics networks. Identifying and promoting coastal tourism circuits and heritage cruise lines. Upskilling port workforce and developing future-ready talent pools. Advancing the Blue Economy through green energy adoption, sustainable logistics and digital transformation, he said.
“Aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the conclave will feature deliberations on Harit Sagar (Green Ports) and shore-to-ship power supply; green hydrogen integration and de-carbonisation pathways; and smart logistics corridors, SEZs and port-linked industrialisation,” Mr. Venugopal said.
Published – July 13, 2025 09:01 am IST
