To train 5000 students annually
Major Port Visakhapatnam Port Authority today unveiled a crucial skill development program that aims to enhance Skill Development in the maritime sector while also promoting innovative start-ups focused on providing sustainable and green port solutions.
The inaugural program titled ‘Vizag Skill Sail – 2025 – Skill Development Conclave with Green Port Start Up’ was held in Visakhapatnam today which brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and academicians, to explore opportunities for skill enhancement, entrepreneurship, and eco-friendly port solutions.
Delivering the welcome address VPA’s chairperson, Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS, Chairperson, VPA, highlighted Visakhapatnam’s immense potential in the Maritime Sector and stressed on leveraging the Ministry’s initiatives to transform Vizag into a leading hub for Maritime and Skill development in the country.
The Chairperson informed that NITI Aayog has identified Visakhapatnam as one of the key growth hubs in the Port Sector and reiterated the Port’s commitment in training around 5,000 students annually, 50,000 by 2030, and 5 lakh students by 2047.
He encouraged the youth to utilize these opportunities and emerge as future entrepreneurs of the nation.
Giving the special address, Mr M. N. Harendhira Prasad, IAS, District Collector, Visakhapatnam, said that the Government has identified the maritime sector as a key area of focus and that it is prioritizing port-led manufacturing to drive economic growth.
He therefore emphasized developing a skilled workforce to transform Visakhapatnam into a future maritime hub.
Participating virtually Mr R. Lakshmanan, IAS, Joint Secretary (Ports) reiterated the Ministry’s vision in implementing skill development in coordination with the Andhra Pradesh State Government in the Maritime Sector.
He said that Andhra Pradesh Government is taking initiative to develop Ship Building Clusters and proposing for Partnership with IMU, CEMS institutions.
Mr N. Sridhar, IRS, Principal Commissioner of Customs shared his insights and perspectives on the occasion stating the developmental initiatives taken up by VPA will soon bear fruits especially in making Vizag Port environmentally friendly.
Green Port Startup
Similarly, VPA awarded startups that demonstrated innovative solutions in reducing port -related emissions and overall improving sustainable practices in the maritime industry.
Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and waterways, Mr T.K. Ramachandran, IAS, said that the Green Port Start up Innovation Challenge was launched to encourage pioneering ideas that can transform the Maritime Sector and provide clean, smart and sustainable port solutions.
He mentioned that the initiative focuses on areas such as Greener Ships and Cleaner Ports, Plastic-to-Product Innovations and Circular Economy Models, and Renewable Energy Integration in Ports and Ships.
Students from various institutions, comprising IMU, CEMS, and other business schools, actively participated in the programme. Experts from the Maritime Sector engaged with the students and addressed their queries.
VPA’s deputy chairperson, Mr Durgesh Kumar Dubey, IRTS, along with Mr T. Venu Gopal Secretary, VPA and other senior dignitaries participated in the program.
