New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal engaged with students of the prestigious Blue MBA Executive Programme at Copenhagen Business School (CBS) on Saturday. The session highlighted India’s strong economic growth, expanding investment opportunities, and the country’s efforts to align economic development with ecological responsibility. Sonowal became the first Indian Minister to visit the esteemed business school.
He was joined by a distinguished panel including Brian Wessel, Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority; Leif Christensen, Associate Dean, Copenhagen Business School; and Irene Rosberg, Programme Director of the Blue MBA. The Minister was accompanied by Manish Prabhat, Ambassador of India to Denmark.
Addressing the Blue MBA cohort, Sonowal outlined India’s maritime growth strategy driven by the Sagarmala Programme and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which focus on creating sustainable infrastructure, multimodal logistics, and a future-ready maritime ecosystem. He said, “CBS is a globally respected institution, and the Blue MBA programme in particular stands as a beacon for future-ready leadership in the maritime world. I am especially pleased to be among students whose drive and vision will help shape the course of global shipping in the years ahead. I am eager to interact with you all today and learn more about your experiences, insights, and aspirations. India and Denmark have enjoyed a long and constructive relationship, and our maritime partnership is growing from strength to strength.”
He emphasized that as coastal nations with rich maritime traditions, India and Denmark’s collaboration holds great potential not only for the two countries but also for global maritime sustainability. Highlighting India’s position as the world’s fourth-largest economy, Sonowal noted the vast opportunities for maritime businesses at home and abroad. He added, “Sustainability is at the heart of our maritime policy, and we are committed to achieving Net Zero emissions at major ports by 2047. From green hydrogen to digital shipping, our roadmap is ambitious yet inclusive.”
The discussion explored India’s emergence as a global maritime hub and logistics power, supported by initiatives to develop green ports, multimodal connectivity, and digital infrastructure to enhance international trade. Sonowal stated, “Today, India represents a compelling story of growth that is inclusive, innovative, and sustainable. As we expand our port capacity and integrate logistics across the hinterland, we also remain deeply committed to decarbonising the maritime sector. The aim is to make India the global epicentre for green shipping and clean trade corridors.”
The Blue MBA cohort, composed of senior professionals and alumni from global maritime and logistics leaders such as Noble Corporation, MAN Energy Solutions, American Bureau of Shipping, and Bureau Veritas, discussed investment opportunities in India’s maritime infrastructure, upcoming public-private partnerships, and policy incentives for green shipping.
Further, Sonowal praised Denmark’s leadership in green maritime technologies, energy efficiency, innovation, and digital shipping. He acknowledged India’s transformative journey under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to modernize its maritime sector, enhance sustainability, and expand opportunities through policy reform, infrastructure investments, and international cooperation. He underscored India’s strategic importance as a maritime nation with a vast coastline and over 90% of its trade volume moving by sea, making maritime development central to the country’s growth strategy.
The Minister highlighted the rising demand for efficient and sustainable shipping driven by India’s growing trade and industrial sectors. He mentioned significant investments in maritime education through institutions like Indian Maritime University and Gujarat Maritime University, which are preparing a globally competent workforce for careers spanning logistics, cruise tourism, green fuels, port management, and ship recycling. India’s maritime workforce is projected to grow from 7.86 million to nearly 40 million by 2047, with a notable increase in women seafarers—from 1,699 in 2014 to over 7,000 in 2024—demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
CBS faculty praised India’s maritime policy reforms and its evolving role as a critical link between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The event underscored growing cooperation between India and Denmark in green shipping, clean energy, and sustainable development, highlighting India’s expanding engagement with global academic and professional institutions. (ANI)
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