VPA launches “VIZAG SKILL SAIL 2025” to promote maritime skills and green innovation
The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) inaugurated “VIZAG SKILL SAIL 2025 – Skill Development Conclave with Green Port Start-up” on Friday, a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening maritime skill development and fostering innovative green port start-ups. The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, academicians, and students to discuss opportunities in eco-friendly port practices, entrepreneurship, and skill enhancement.
Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairperson of VPA, delivered the welcome address, highlighting both immediate and long-term plans aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Emphasizing Visakhapatnam’s potential as a major maritime hub, he outlined strategies leveraging initiatives from the Ministry of Ports to position the city as a leader in maritime education and skill development. He also noted the State Government’s active support, envisioning Vizag as both the maritime educational capital and financial capital of Andhra Pradesh.
Dr. Angamuthu cited NITI Aayog’s recognition of Visakhapatnam as a key growth hub in the port sector and highlighted the presence of multiple institutions supporting the maritime industry. He reaffirmed VPA’s commitment to train 5,000 students annually, scaling up to 50,000 by 2030 and five lakh by 2047, urging youth to seize these opportunities to become future maritime entrepreneurs.
Speaking on the occasion, M. N. Harendhira Prasad, District Collector, Visakhapatnam, underlined the State Government’s Swarnandhra 2047 vision, targeting a $2.4 trillion economy. Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s extensive coastline, he stressed the strategic importance of port-led manufacturing and the urgent need to develop a skilled maritime workforce to transform Vizag into a global maritime hub.
R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (Ports), in a virtual address, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to skill development in coordination with the State Government, highlighting initiatives to establish shipbuilding clusters and strengthen maritime education and research through partnerships with IMU and CEMS institutions.
N. Sridhar, Principal Commissioner of Customs, lauded VPA’s efforts to make Vizag Port environmentally sustainable, while T.K. Ramachandran announced the launch of the Green Port Start-up Innovation Challenge. This initiative encourages innovative ideas in greener ships, cleaner ports, circular economy models, and renewable energy integration in ports and vessels. He acknowledged the continued inspiration from Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Advancement through Connectivity” and the ethos of “Harbours for Growth and Harbours for Advancement.”
The conclave also saw active participation from students of IMU, CEMS, and other business schools, who engaged with maritime experts to explore opportunities for skill development, sustainable innovation, and entrepreneurship in the maritime sector.