Odisha to launch Inland Vessel Rules, 2025 at India Maritime Week

Odisha is set to make a strong pitch for its maritime and green energy ambitions at the upcoming India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, scheduled to be held in Mumbai from October 27 to 31. The state will unveil the Odisha Inland Vessel Rules, 2025, a milestone regulatory framework aimed at strengthening inland water transport and maritime governance.

The decision was taken at the 6th meeting of the Odisha Maritime Board (OMB), chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, where the state charted a comprehensive strategy to position itself as a key maritime hub. Odisha’s participation will highlight its growing leadership in green hydrogen production and export, and its emerging capabilities in shipbuilding, ship repair, and ship recycling.

The state will also showcase its focus on captive jetty development, port-led industrialisation, and skilling initiatives to create a future-ready maritime workforce.

Several MoUs are expected to be signed with major national agencies, including the Indian Ports Association (IPA), Paradip Port Authority (PPA), Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd (IPRCL), and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to boost maritime infrastructure and tourism.

Adding to the state’s showcase, Odisha will release two flagship publications — a coffee table book tracing its evolution from the ancient maritime legacy of Kalinga to its modern maritime vision, and a white paper on the Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (OMPP) outlining a long-term roadmap for integrated maritime development.