Abu Dhabi to Invest $2bn in Maharashtra's Maritime Sector

• Abu Dhabi to invest up to $2 billion in Maharashtra’s ports and shipbuilding sector
• ₹56,000 crore committed, including ₹42,000 crore for Dighi Port
• Ties with IIT Bombay and Candela to enhance skills and water connectivity

Nitesh Rane, the States' Port and Fisheries Minister, has stated that Abu Dhabi intends to invest as much as $2 billion into ports and shipbuilding in Maharashtra.

The investment follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Maharashtra government and Abu Dhabi Ports and Resource Investment Ltd, which enables them to collaborate on the development of shipbuilding, maritime transport, port infrastructure and management of water sports, in alignment with Maharashtra's longer-term vision of blue economy-led growth.

The Abu Dhabi investment in Maharashtra ports and the shipbuilding sector highlights growing UAE India trade and strengthens maritime infrastructure, boosting foreign investment India and advancing port development under the India UAE partnership.

The minister stated, "This is the first agreement of its kind between Abu Dhabi Ports and any state government in India underscoring Maharashtra’s global significance".

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This latest update follows a set of MoUs executed earlier this week, with Maharashtra receiving investment pledge commitments of ₹56,000 crore for strengthening its marine and logistics capabilities. In total, the largest investment of ₹42,000 crore will go toward developing the Dighi Port.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "It is a proud moment for us as we are developing the maritime ecosystem in the state. The total investment envisaged is ₹56,000 crore, but apart from that there are strategic MoUs in areas of technology and human resources. With these MoUs, we will move towards achieving our aim of making Maharashtra a maritime superpower".

JSW Infrastructure Ltd will make an additional ₹3,709 crore investment in the improvement of its Jaigad and Dharamtar ports. Chowgule Group, Synergy Shipbuilders, and Goa Shipyard will make additional investments to invest in India's advanced shipbuilding.

The governing authority also formed partnerships for skill development with IIT Bombay, and for passenger water transport projects with Swedish-based Candela.

Rane reiterated that Maharashtra’s modern water transport network will improve connectivity and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reiterated plans for new waterways and a marina project in Mumbai.