Paradip Port is set to attract massive investments into Odisha’s port and logistics sector, with plans to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 1.5 trillion at the upcoming India Maritime Week (IMW), to be held in Mumbai from 27 to 31 October, officials said.

The proposed investments span shipbuilding, ship repair, port modernisation, smart port initiatives, business development, and green hydrogen projects.

India Maritime Week: A global platform

Hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, India Maritime Week is billed as the world’s largest maritime conclave, featuring over 100 maritime nations, 200 international experts, and 500 leading maritime industries. The event will serve as a premier venue for knowledge exchange, investment opportunities, and technological innovation in the maritime sector.

Paradip’s role as a Green Hydrogen Hub

Paradip Port was recently declared a Green Hydrogen Hub, joining Tuticorin and Kandla as one of only three such ports in India. The Odisha government will also have a dedicated session at the conclave to showcase its maritime growth potential and port-led development initiatives.

The state has already signed MoUs with the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) for strategic ventures such as the Bahuda Port project and a shipbuilding centre in Kendrapara district, both of which are expected to generate substantial employment and economic growth.

Cruise terminal and awareness drive

Odisha will also ink an MoU during IMW 2025 for developing a cruise terminal in Puri to boost maritime tourism. The project’s first phase will focus on Puri, with a second phase extending the terminal to Paradip over the next two to three years.

Ahead of the event, Paradip Port has launched several public awareness initiatives, including sand art at Paradip Beach, advertisements, podcasts, and social media campaigns coinciding with Diwali celebrations.

These efforts highlight the combined commitment of the Government of Odisha, Paradip Port, and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to drive sustainable economic growth, create employment opportunities, and strengthen India’s maritime ecosystem.