Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, addressed students at Copenhagen Business School’s Blue MBA programme on June 8, 2025. He became the first Indian Minister to visit this prestigious institution.
Shri Sonowal spoke about India’s strong maritime growth driven by the Sagarmala Programme and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. These projects focus on sustainable port infrastructure, multimodal logistics, and a future-ready maritime ecosystem. The Minister committed to achieving Net Zero emissions at India’s major ports by 2047.
Connecting Tradition with Innovation
The Minister praised CBS and its Blue MBA as a global leader in maritime education.
“Through shipping, you connect humanity — its needs, its dreams.” He also highlighted the strong India-Denmark maritime partnership.
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He encouraged students to let creativity guide innovation and compassion anchor decisions, highlighting how shipping connects humanity—its needs and dreams—and emphasized the strong India-Denmark maritime partnership.
Both countries share rich coastal traditions and aim to lead in green shipping and sustainable ocean industries.
India’s Growing Maritime Role
India is now the world’s fourth-largest economy and an emerging maritime hub. Shri Sonowal spoke about expanding port capacity and integrating hinterland logistics to boost trade.
He emphasized the need to reduce carbon emissions in shipping and build India as a center for green shipping and clean trade corridors. India’s roadmap includes green hydrogen, digital shipping, and clean energy use.
Investment and Collaboration
The Blue MBA group included top maritime professionals from global firms. Discussions focused on India’s investment climate, public-private partnerships, and green shipping incentives.
Shri Sonowal praised Denmark as a global leader in green maritime technology. He said India, under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, is modernizing its maritime sector through policy reforms and infrastructure investment.
Maritime Workforce and Education
India is investing heavily in maritime education through institutions like the Indian Maritime University. These prepare students for careers beyond seafaring — in logistics, cruise tourism, port management, and green fuels.
The maritime workforce is projected to grow from 7.86 million in 2024 to nearly 40 million by 2047. The number of women seafarers has also increased significantly, showing India’s focus on diversity and inclusion.
Strengthening India-Denmark Maritime Ties
CBS faculty welcomed India’s reforms and strategic position linking Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The event highlighted growing cooperation between India and Denmark in green shipping and sustainability.
Shri Sonowal’s visit also marked India’s increasing engagement with global maritime education and industry leaders.
Conclusion
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal’s visit to CBS underscored India’s vision of sustainable maritime growth. His message inspired future leaders to innovate with creativity and lead with compassion. India’s ambitious green shipping plans, backed by strong policies and partnerships, aim to shape a sustainable maritime future worldwide.
