Tamil Nadu showcases maritime strength and investment potential at IMW 2025

A special session on Tamil Nadu was held on the third day of India Maritime Week 2025, spotlighting the state’s expanding role as a gateway for trade, tourism, and industrial growth. Themed “Tamil Nadu Ports: Gateway to Growth, Enabling Trade, Tourism & Industrial Corridors,” the session brought together senior government officials and industry leaders to highlight ongoing maritime initiatives and future opportunities.

T.N. Venkatesh, IAS, Vice Chairman & CEO, Tamil Nadu Maritime Board, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the state’s strong maritime foundation with three major ports and 17 non-major ports, and its focus on creating efficient coastal logistics and sustainable infrastructure.

Sunil Paliwal, IAS, Chairman, Indian Ports Association, Chennai Port Authority & Kamarajar Port Limited, set the context, outlining Tamil Nadu’s efforts to integrate port-led growth with industrial corridors, multimodal logistics, and tourism development.

Delivering the keynote address, V. Velu, Minister for Public Works (Buildings, Highways & Minor Ports), Government of Tamil Nadu, underscored the strategic importance of Tamil Nadu’s ports in driving regional economic development. He highlighted government initiatives to modernize port infrastructure, improve hinterland connectivity, and attract private investment to strengthen the state’s position as a maritime hub on India’s east coast.

Opening Session: Maritime Growth and Infrastructure

The session opened with remarks from the Principal Secretary, Department of Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce, who emphasized Tamil Nadu’s strong port network and commitment to sustainable maritime growth. Speakers noted that the state’s coastline, supported by both major and non-major ports, is being developed to handle rising trade volumes and promote industrial connectivity.

Officials from the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board (TNMB) shared updates on ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at enhancing port capacity, automation, and hinterland linkages. The state is working to attract private participation and expand coastal shipping to decongest roads and reduce logistics costs.

The session featured an engaging lineup of speakers representing government, industry, and tourism sectors:

• K. Manivasan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, spoke on leveraging coastal and cruise tourism to boost local economies and generate employment.
• Dr. Darez Ahamed, IAS, MD & CEO, Guidance Tamil Nadu, outlined the state’s investor-friendly policies, highlighting its leadership in attracting global investments in logistics, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
• Rinkesh Roy, Joint MD & CEO, JSW Infrastructure, emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to accelerate port capacity expansion and operational efficiency.
• Ravishankar, MD, Mahathi Infra Services, discussed innovations in coastal shipping and the potential for liquid cargo handling facilities.
• Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO, Waterways Leisure Tourism, presented Tamil Nadu’s vast potential for cruise and leisure tourism, calling for collaborative efforts to build cruise terminals and allied infrastructure.
• Karthikeyan, GM, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., highlighted the importance of port connectivity and efficiency for export-driven industries, particularly the automobile sector.

In his concluding remarks, Sunil Paliwal, IAS, reiterated the importance of integrating trade, tourism, and industry through a unified maritime strategy, ensuring that Tamil Nadu remains at the forefront of India’s coastal and industrial growth.

The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by S. Viswanathan, IAS, Deputy Chairman, Chennai Port, who acknowledged the contributions of all participants and reaffirmed the commitment to transforming Tamil Nadu into a model maritime state aligned with India’s Maritime Vision 2047.

The Tamil Nadu State Session at India Maritime Week 2025 highlighted the state’s strategic maritime position, investment-friendly policies, and growing role in India’s blue economy. Senior officials and industry leaders outlined key initiatives driving port development, industrial expansion, and clean energy transition.

Session 2: Industrial and Clean Energy Opportunities

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) and Guidance Tamil Nadu presented the state’s policy framework supporting renewable energy, green hydrogen, and port-based industries. Emphasis was placed on Tamil Nadu’s leadership in clean energy manufacturing, electric mobility, and sustainable logistics solutions.

Industry representatives highlighted collaboration opportunities in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and green fuel infrastructure. The discussions also underscored the synergy between port-led industrial growth and Tamil Nadu’s target of achieving net-zero emissions.

Key Takeaways

• Tamil Nadu is positioning itself as a maritime and logistics hub on India’s east coast.
• Private investment and PPP models are central to upcoming port and logistics projects.
• Focus areas include green shipping, coastal trade, and renewable energy integration.
• The state aims to leverage its strong manufacturing base and skilled workforce to attract global investors.

The session concluded with optimism about Tamil Nadu’s role in driving India’s sustainable maritime and industrial transformation.

The second session of the Tamil Nadu State Session at India Maritime Week 2025, themed “Tamil Nadu’s Next-Gen Maritime Industries: Shipbuilding, Clean Energy & Industrial Manufacturing,” showcased the state’s growing leadership in sustainable industrialization, advanced shipbuilding, and clean energy transition.

Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, Chairman, VOC Port Authority (Tuticorin), delivered the welcome address, emphasizing Tamil Nadu’s robust port ecosystem and its critical role in driving industrial growth across southern India. He noted the rapid development of port-based industries and the importance of multimodal connectivity in attracting global investment.

Setting the context, V. Arun Roy, IAS, Secretary, Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, highlighted the state’s strong manufacturing foundation and proactive policy framework that enable seamless collaboration between industries, ports, and renewable energy sectors.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu, underlined the government’s vision to make Tamil Nadu a global manufacturing and maritime innovation hub. He cited the state’s leadership in automobile and electronics manufacturing, renewable energy, and shipbuilding, noting that Tamil Nadu offers world-class infrastructure, skilled talent, and a transparent policy environment for investors.

The session featured insightful addresses from leading industry representatives:

• H. Shankar, Managing Director, Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd (CPCL), spoke about the company’s commitment to supporting India’s energy transition through cleaner fuels, refinery modernization, and industrial integration around port regions.
• Muthu Maruthachalam C, President & Chief (Industry representative), highlighted Tamil Nadu’s dynamic ecosystem for heavy engineering and its growing competitiveness in industrial manufacturing.
• Paras Pal, Head – Business Development, L&T Shipyard, presented the company’s advancements in shipbuilding technology at its Kattupalli facility, which delivers state-of-the-art vessels for defence and commercial clients worldwide. He emphasized digitalization, automation, and MSME collaboration as key to future maritime growth.
• Bidyut Chakraborty, Vice President (Commercial), Sembcorp, underscored Tamil Nadu’s pivotal role in renewable energy expansion, with significant solar and wind assets powering industrial operations and supporting green hydrogen initiatives.
• A senior representative from Komatsu (TBC) shared insights into industrial manufacturing excellence and technology-led productivity improvements, reaffirming Tamil Nadu’s status as a preferred base for global OEMs.

In his concluding remarks and vote of thanks, Sunil Paliwal, IAS, Chairman, Indian Ports Association, Chennai Port Authority & Kamarajar Port Limited, lauded the state’s integrated approach to maritime development and industrial advancement. He noted that Tamil Nadu’s synergy between ports, industries, and clean energy will be central to achieving India’s Maritime Vision 2047.

Session 2 of the Tamil Nadu State Session at India Maritime Week 2025 focused on the theme “Next-Generation Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, and Clean Energy.” The session was graced by Dr. T. R. B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce, and featured key industry leaders who shared their experiences of operating and expanding in Tamil Nadu’s progressive industrial ecosystem.

Driving Manufacturing Excellence – Daimler India Commercial Vehicles

Marutha Challa C, President and COO of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), highlighted Tamil Nadu’s vital role in the company’s success over the past decade. Established as a 100% subsidiary in 2009, DICV’s Chennai facility has evolved into a global manufacturing hub, producing over 200,000 trucks and exporting 73,000 vehicles and 63,000 aggregates to 17 countries.

He attributed this success to four key factors:

• A thriving supplier ecosystem around Chennai,
• A skilled and passionate workforce,
• Robust infrastructure including world-class ports and road networks, and
• Strong industry–government collaboration ensuring ease of doing business.

Looking ahead, Daimler’s “Growth India Strategy 2030” aims to double production volumes within five years, expand the use of Indian suppliers for global operations, and strengthen India’s role as a manufacturing hub for the group’s global markets.

Innovation in Shipbuilding – L&T Shipbuilding

Paras Pal, Head of Business Development, L&T Shipbuilding, showcased how Tamil Nadu enabled the company to establish its advanced shipyard at Kattupalli, north of Chennai. The shipyard features India’s largest ship lift (21,000-ton capacity) and has delivered over 55 vessels, including for the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and international clients such as the US and UK navies.

He emphasized L&T’s focus on next-generation shipbuilding technologies—digital design, automation, robotic welding, and drone-assisted inspections—that enhance efficiency and reduce dependence on manual labor. The shipyard also supports over 2,000 local workers daily and actively partners with MSMEs for component sourcing, strengthening Tamil Nadu’s maritime manufacturing base.

Clean Energy Leadership – Sembcorp Industries

P. D. Chattopadhyay, Vice President (Commercial), Sembcorp India, underlined Tamil Nadu’s pivotal role in advancing renewable energy and energy transition projects. With over 6 GW of renewable assets in India, Sembcorp chose Tamil Nadu for its strong industrial base, skilled workforce, excellent port connectivity, and robust renewable infrastructure.

He praised the state’s consistent industrial policies, plug-and-play infrastructure, and proactive government support for enabling smooth project implementation in solar, wind, and emerging green hydrogen initiatives.

The session underscored Tamil Nadu’s emergence as a global destination for clean manufacturing, shipbuilding, and energy innovation. With strategic infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and an empowered workforce, the state is well-positioned to lead India’s next phase of sustainable industrial growth.