India Showcases Maritime Vision at Copenhagen Business School as Minister Sonowal Addresses Blue MBA Cohort

Copenhagen: In a landmark visit underscoring India’s rising global maritime stature, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, became the first Indian Minister to visit the prestigious Copenhagen Business School (CBS), where he interacted with students of the Blue MBA Executive Programme. The session spotlighted India’s dynamic maritime growth, sustainability initiatives, and the increasing convergence of economic development and ecological responsibility.

Addressing an audience comprising global maritime professionals, Minister Sonowal outlined India’s ambitious maritime agenda, driven by strategic frameworks like the Sagarmala Programme and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. He emphasized India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions at major ports by 2047, positioning the country as a future-ready, sustainable maritime hub.

“CBS is a globally respected institution, and the Blue MBA programme stands as a beacon of leadership in the maritime world,” said the Minister. “India and Denmark share a rich maritime tradition and our strategic partnership today offers immense promise for global maritime sustainability.”

The interactive session featured a distinguished panel, including Brian Wessel, Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority; Leif Christensen, Associate Dean of CBS; and Irene Rosberg, Programme Director of the Blue MBA. The Indian Ambassador to Denmark, Manish Prabhat, also joined the delegation.

Delving into India’s emerging role as a logistics powerhouse, Sonowal highlighted major investments in green ports, multimodal logistics, and digital infrastructure that are unlocking new trade corridors and investment avenues. He encouraged Blue MBA students to explore India’s vibrant maritime landscape, where public-private partnerships and sustainability-driven policies are creating exciting new opportunities.

“India today represents a story of inclusive, innovative, and sustainable growth,” the Minister remarked. “Our commitment to decarbonising the maritime sector and creating clean shipping corridors is central to India’s global vision.”

The Blue MBA cohort, which includes senior professionals from maritime giants like Noble Corporation, MAN Energy Solutions, American Bureau of Shipping, and Bureau Veritas, engaged the Minister in discussions around investment climate, green fuel innovation, and policy incentives for international collaboration.

Sonowal also praised Denmark’s leadership in green maritime technology, noting that India is keen to strengthen cooperation in energy efficiency, digital shipping, and sustainable port development. “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s leadership, India is modernising its ports, expanding infrastructure, and nurturing global partnerships to make maritime a central pillar of economic progress,” he added.

Highlighting India’s efforts in maritime education and workforce development, the Minister noted that the sector is projected to grow from 7.86 million to nearly 40 million by 2047, with a strong push for gender diversity—evident in the increase of women seafarers from 1,699 in 2014 to over 7,000 in 2024.

CBS faculty members commended India’s policy reforms and reaffirmed their interest in strengthening academic collaboration. The event marked a key step in deepening India–Denmark cooperation in clean energy, sustainable shipping, and global maritime leadership, reflecting India’s growing engagement with international institutions and its steadfast commitment to green growth.