Goa | 2 March 2026

The Goa Coastal State Workshop 2026 concluded successfully in Goa, bringing together senior policymakers, maritime regulators, industry leaders, training institutions, and sectoral stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening Goa’s maritime ecosystem in alignment with national priorities.

The workshop was led by the Directorate General of Shipping under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, in collaboration with the Captain of Ports Department, and curated by Elets Technomedia.

Aligning State Action with National Maritime Vision

With nearly 95% of India’s trade by volume moving through maritime transport, coastal states play a decisive role in achieving the objectives of Maritime India Vision 2030 and the broader roadmap towards Viksit Bharat 2047.

The workshop served as a focused policy dialogue to strengthen Centre–State coordination and identify actionable opportunities across six strategic pillars: Maritime Safety, Shipbuilding & Recycling, Training & Skilling, Crewing & Employment, Sustainability & Decarbonisation, and Coastal Shipping & Inland Navigation.

High-Level Participation

The event witnessed the presence of distinguished leaders, including:

• Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India
• Shri Digambar Kamat, Hon’ble Minister, Department of Captain of Ports, Government of Goa
• Senior leadership from the Directorate General of Shipping

The day-long workshop featured technical sessions, industry presentations, and deliberations focused on regulatory alignment, skilling, sustainability, and digital maritime governance.

Key Highlights & Stakeholder Perspectives

Strengthening Goa’s Maritime Identity

Shri Octavio A Rodrigues, Captain of Ports, Captain of Ports Department, Government of Goa, underscored the historical and economic importance of the maritime sector for the state.

“From the historic maritime trade routes that connected our shores to global civilisations to the vibrant fisheries and coastal tourism of today, the sea has not only sustained Goa’s economy but also shaped its very soul and identity. As India advances towards the ambitious goals outlined in Maritime India Vision 2030 and Viksit Bharat 2047, under the inspiring leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the maritime sector is emerging as one of the strongest engines powering the nation’s economic rise.”

His remarks highlighted the state’s intent to leverage its coastline not only for economic growth but also for sustainable maritime development.

Goa’s Strategic Opportunity in Maritime Expansion

Delivering the Special Address, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, emphasised Goa’s unique position in India’s maritime transformation.

“Goa has a long and proud maritime heritage. For centuries, our coastline has supported trade, livelihoods, fisheries, and cultural exchange. Today, as India advances towards becoming a leading maritime nation, Goa has a unique opportunity to further strengthen its position in coastal shipping, shipbuilding services, tourism, and maritime employment.”

His address reinforced the importance of coastal states in contributing to India’s maritime competitiveness and employment generation.

Emphasising Responsible and Balanced Maritime Growth

Addressing the gathering as the Guest of Honour, Shri Digambar Kamat, Hon’ble Minister, Department of Captain of Ports, Public Works and Legal Metrology, Government of Goa, highlighted the importance of aligning state initiatives with national maritime ambitions while remaining sensitive to local realities.

“As India moves towards becoming a global maritime leader, coastal states like Goa have a critical role to play. We are aligning our efforts with national maritime priorities while addressing our local realities. Responsible expansion and skilled workforce development remain our key focus areas.”

His remarks underscored Goa’s commitment to fostering maritime growth through a balanced approach, prioritising sustainability, regulatory strength, and workforce development while navigating the unique geographical and infrastructural constraints of the state.

Bridging Academia and Industry

The workshop also focused strongly on maritime skilling and industry readiness. Dr. Saurabh Dave, Senior Pro Vice Chancellor, Ganpat University, highlighted the institutional commitment required to meet evolving industry standards.

“At Ganpat University, we have focused on building an inclusive ecosystem aligned with evolving industry standards. It is not an easy journey – it demands significant capital investment, sustained institutional commitment, and dedicated efforts. While upskilling and training students to make them truly industry-ready, we continue to navigate multiple challenges, but our commitment to bridging academia and industry remains unwavering.”

The discussion reinforced the critical need for skill development, transparency, and stronger industry-academia collaboration in maritime training.

Industry & Technical Deliberations

The workshop featured comprehensive discussions led by senior officers of the Directorate General of Shipping on:

• Strengthening maritime safety and casualty response mechanisms
• Enhancing shipbuilding and recycling opportunities
• Promoting transparency and zero tolerance in crewing and manning
• Advancing sustainability and decarbonisation in the maritime sector
• Expanding coastal shipping and multimodal inland navigation

Industry stakeholders also shared practical challenges faced by Goa’s shipbuilding sector and explored digital solutions, including GIS-based maritime mapping and unified platforms for resilient infrastructure planning.

Outcomes & Way Forward

The Goa Coastal State Workshop 2026 concluded with a shared commitment to:

• Strengthen regulatory coordination between the Centre and the State
• Identify state-specific maritime investment opportunities
• Promote sustainable coastal development
• Enhance maritime skilling and employment pathways
• Accelerate the implementation of national maritime reforms at the state level

The workshop reinforced the understanding that maritime growth today extends beyond ports and vessels, encompassing economic security, supply chain resilience, environmental stewardship, and national competitiveness.

It witnessed active participation from the Directorate General of Shipping, maritime officers & budding maritime students. 

As India advances toward becoming a leading maritime nation, Goa’s proactive engagement through this workshop signals its readiness to emerge as a model coastal state contributing to the country’s Blue Economy ambitions.

About Elets Technomedia

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