Odisha to Ink MoU for Cruise Terminal in Puri at India Maritime Week 2025

Odisha is set to take a major step toward boosting coastal tourism and maritime infrastructure with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for developing a cruise terminal in Puri during the upcoming India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, to be held in Mumbai from October 27 to 31, officials confirmed.

According to P. L. Haranadh, Chairman of the Paradip Port Authority (PPA), the project will be executed in phases. “The first phase will focus on Puri, while the second phase will extend the cruise terminal to Paradip within the next two to three years,” he said.

Paradip Port is expected to make a strong presence at IMW 2025, with plans to sign MoUs worth ₹1.5 lakh crore across multiple sectors—ranging from shipbuilding, ship repair, port modernisation, and smart port initiatives to green hydrogen and business development projects.

Haranadh highlighted that Paradip Port was recently designated as a green hydrogen hub, joining Tuticorin and Kandla as one of only three Indian ports to receive this distinction. The move aligns with India’s broader goal of creating a sustainable, low-emission maritime ecosystem.

The Odisha government will also have a dedicated session at IMW 2025 to showcase its maritime roadmap and ongoing initiatives. The state has already entered into key agreements with PPA, including projects for Bahuda Port development and the establishment of a shipbuilding centre in Kendrapada district—expected to spur industrial activity, job creation, and regional economic growth.

Organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, IMW 2025 is poised to be one of the largest global gatherings in the sector, featuring participation from over 100 maritime nations, 200 international experts, and 500 industry leaders. The event will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, investment partnerships, and technology collaboration across the global maritime value chain.

To build public engagement ahead of the event, Paradip Port has launched a wide-ranging promotional campaign, including sand art displays at beaches, along with advertisements, hoardings, podcasts, and social media initiatives, timed to coincide with the Diwali festivities.

The Puri cruise terminal initiative and Odisha’s active participation at IMW 2025 underscore the state’s ambition to emerge as a key player in India’s blue economy and sustainable maritime growth.