Vizag set to play perfect host to BIMSTEC Ports 2.0, to discuss on green initiatives

The second edition of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) ports conclave beginning here on Monday is expected to turbocharge regional maritime growth by:unlocking private investment and infrastructure partnerships with thrust on green initiatives with sustainable technologies.

As India’s Eastern Gateway and a leader in green and smart port initiatives,Visakhapatnam Port stands as a symbol of India’s maritime resurgence. With its advanced port infrastructure, cruise terminal, and multimodal logistics ecosystem, the city provides the perfect backdrop to discuss the next phase of BIMSTEC’s maritime journey.

Discussions will be centred around BIMSTEC ports and take stock of the outcome on strategies adopted at the first conclave in Visakhapatnam. The second edition is being hosted for two days here by Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA)..

Reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening regional maritime connectivity and cooperation across the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) region, the conclave, themed “Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation & Sustainable

Partnerships,” will bring together ministerial delegations, port authorities, maritime experts, and business leaders from BIMSTEC member countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The Bay of Bengal is more than a geographic expanse—it is a strategic maritime bridge between ASEAN and SAARC, and a vital conduit for energy, trade, and geopolitical connectivity. BIMSTEC plays a pivotal role in creating a prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific, in line with India’s Act East Policy, Neighbourhood First, and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. India remains deeply invested in the peaceful development of the Bay of Bengal, fostering inclusive growth, infrastructure development, and regional trade partnerships through BIMSTEC.

The conclave will be graced by Sarbanda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Fast-tracking Kaladan Multimodal Transit Corridor and associated logistics networks, It is tasked to identify and promote coastal tourism circuits and heritage cruise lines. "The conclave assumes a lot of significance in view of the focus to develop green ports with sustainable practices," VPA Chairman Dr. M. Angamuthu, told Bizz Buzz.

Another priority identified is to promote upskilling port workforce and developing future-ready talent pools. Advancing the blue economy through green energy adoption, sustainable logistics, and digital transformation is the main aim of the convention.

Aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the conclave will feature deliberations on: Harit Sagar (green ports) and shore-to-ship power supply. Green hydrogen integration and decarbonization pathways. dmart logistics corridors, SEZs, and port-linked industrialization will come for discussion by the domain experts.

The first edition was held on November 7 and 8, 2019 in Visakhapatnam under the theme “The Blue Seas Synergy Summit,” the 1st BIMSTEC Ports Conclave befitted as a landmark event in regional maritime cooperation. Key takeaways included: Establishment of a Cruise Tourism Task Force and launch of the Chennai–Sri Lanka cruise circuit. Boost of Rs.45,000 crore to India’s Inland Waterways network. Operationalization of Sittwe Port in Myanmar under Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit. Acceleration of digital port connectivity through PCS 1x, SagarSetu, and Logistics Data Bank (LDB) platforms.

Senior officials from