Maharashtra Signs MoU with Finnish
Companies for Modernization of Sassoon Dock
The Maharashtra government has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Finnish companies to modernize and sustainably develop
Sassoon Dock in Mumbai. The initiative aims to upgrade the dock with modern
infrastructure, strengthen the fisheries sector, and bring the maritime
facility in line with international standards.
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Sassoon Dock in Mumbai is
one of the oldest and major fishing harbours in India.The dock currently has
about 1,560 registered mechanised fishing boats.Average annual fish
production at the harbour is about 50,000–60,000 metric tonnes.The
Maharashtra Fisheries Development Corporation manages fisheries
infrastructure in the state. |
Importance of Sassoon Dock
¨
Sassoon Dock is one of
Mumbai’s oldest and most important fishing harbors. Located in the Colaba area
of South Mumbai, it serves as a major hub where large quantities of fish are
landed and traded daily.
¨
Thousands of fishermen,
traders, and workers depend on the dock for their livelihoods.
Agreement With Finnish Companies
¨
The MoU was signed with
Finland-based firms Helvar, Mirasis and River Recycle at an event held in
Mumbai. The collaboration will focus on introducing advanced technologies and
sustainable practices to upgrade the dock’s operational efficiency.
¨
The partnership is
expected to improve plastic waste recycling, management of discarded fishing
nets and modernisation of net-repair systems. Capacity building and training
for fishermen and dock workers will also form part of the initiative to ensure
smooth adoption of modern techniques.
Importance of Sassoon Dock
¨
Sassoon Dock is one of
the country’s major fishing harbours and a key centre for Maharashtra’s
fisheries economy. According to state Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane, the
harbour currently has about 1,560 registered mechanised fishing boats.
¨
The dock records an
average annual fish production of around 50,000 to 60,000 metric tonnes. It
plays a crucial role in supporting thousands of fishermen and traders
associated with Mumbai’s seafood trade.
Infrastructure Development at the Harbour
¨
The Maharashtra
government has already undertaken several infrastructure improvements at
Sassoon Dock in recent years. These include construction of net-mending sheds,
workshops, underground water tanks, pump houses and protective boundary walls.
Focus on Sustainable and Modern Fisheries
¨
Work is currently
underway on additional facilities at the harbour, including an ice plant,
strengthening of the jetty wall, fishermen’s rest rooms and a modern auction
hall.
¨ The new collaboration with Finnish firms aims to further enhance sustainability through improved waste management systems and recycling initiatives.
¨ The project aligns with the state government’s broader vision of developing world-class fisheries infrastructure while ensuring the welfare of fishing communities and promoting sustainable coastal development in Maharashtra.
