Visakhapatnam hosted the second BIMSTEC Ports Conclave on 14–15 July 2025, with delegates from all seven member nations—India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—in attendance. Inaugurated by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the conclave placed Visakhapatnam firmly on the international maritime map.

Infrastructure and capacity-building projects totalling Rs 2.76 billion were unveiled for Visakhapatnam Port. Foundation stones were laid for six major initiatives amounting to over Rs 1.16 billion, including the construction of a new B-Ramp, a finger jetty and wharf at the Fishing Harbour, and two breasting dolphins at the Oil Streamer Terminal to enhance liquid cargo handling. A new ramp will link the Ambedkar Centenary Flyover to the L-17 corridor, while public amenities will be improved through a promenade near the cruise terminal and toilet blocks at 15 locations.

Further modernisation works worth nearly Rs 1.6 billion were inaugurated. Key projects included the commissioning of a new Oil Refinery Berth-2, deployment of advanced fire-fighting systems at OSTT Berth, and the construction of a covered storage shed. Road upgrades and a fortified customs boundary wall were also completed. On the technology front, the port adopted a new RFID-based gate system, next-generation Port Operating System, and a modern Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) to improve safety and operational transparency.

Visakhapatnam Port Authority Chairman M Angamuthu emphasised the port’s role in regional maritime trade and urged BIMSTEC nations to collaborate on port-led industrialisation, digital maritime infrastructure, and skill development. He also highlighted the contribution of the Centre of Excellence in Maritime Skill Development (CEMS) in making Visakhapatnam a national training hub.

Union Minister Sonowal outlined India’s maritime development vision under the PM Gati Shakti initiative and India@2047 roadmap. BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey discussed Vision 2030, mentioning 267 ongoing transport connectivity projects and proposing a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Maritime Transport in Visakhapatnam. He also called for real-time cargo tracking and sustainable port practices.

Minister of State Shantanu Thakur and Secretary TK Ramachandran reaffirmed support for deeper maritime cooperation. Visakhapatnam MP M Sribharat noted that Andhra Pradesh aims to develop four new ports and establish one port every 50 kilometres along its coastline.