Mumbai is set to become the epicenter of the global maritime industry as the 14th edition of INMEX SMM India 2025 takes place from September 10–12, 2025 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre. Organised by Informa Markets in India, the event stands as South Asia’s largest platform for the shipping and maritime sector, bringing together key players from across the globe.
This year’s edition will feature over 280 prominent maritime companies from more than 20 countries, displaying the latest advancements in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and vessel technology. The event is expected to attract over 10,000 professionals, including shipowners, shipbuilders, fleet managers, investors, and policymakers, offering a dynamic space for collaboration, business networking, and knowledge sharing.
International representation remains strong with country pavilions from Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, and South Korea, each bringing state-of-the-art innovations and marine technology. Delegates from countries such as Italy, France, China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others will explore trade and investment opportunities with Indian counterparts.
A dedicated B2B Meeting Lounge will be available to support targeted business engagements. Key companies on the exhibitor list include Colombo Dockyard Ltd, Chowgule& Company (SBD), Marine Electrical, Synergy Shipbuilders, Henkel, Volvo Penta, Wilhelmsen, Class NK, and DYNAMICNORD GmbH, among others.
Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets in India, emphasised the sector’s growing importance: “India’s shipbuilding and maritime repair sector is emerging as a critical pillar in our economic transformation. Aligned with national goals like Maritime India Vision 2030 and Viksit Bharat 2047, we’re witnessing rapid capacity building and modernization across the ecosystem. The sector, valued at USD 90 million in 2022, is projected to expand dramatically to USD 8.12 billion by 2033, signalling vast potential for investment and innovation.”
This year’s theme, ‘Building India’s Blue Economy: Shipbuilding & Repair as Growth Drivers’, positions the event as a central platform for strategic dialogue and policy alignment. Adding a government perspective, Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, commented “India’s maritime strategy plays a crucial role in bolstering trade, infrastructure, and sustainability. Alongside expanding shipbuilding and repair facilities, we are pushing for greener practices and legislative reform to ensure our competitiveness in the global shipping landscape.”
The opening day of the conference will be curated by the Directorate General of Shipping and the Institute of Marine Engineers (India), Mumbai Branch, underscoring the event’s alignment with national policy priorities. The upcoming maritime show is supported by several leading organisations from India and abroad, reflecting its strong industry relevance and global reach.
Among the key backers are the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Shipyard Association of India, the International Ship Engineering Service Association (ISES), the Foreign Owners Representatives and Ship Managers Association (FOSMA), and the Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA). Other major supporters include the Maritime Association of Shipowners, Ship Managers and Agents (MASSA), Netherlands Maritime Technology, the Emirates Shipping Association, HEMEXPO (Greece), the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and several additional global partners.
The event will feature a comprehensive three-day conference designed to explore pressing challenges and opportunities across the maritime industry. More than 80 distinguished speakers are set to participate, sharing insights on technological advancements, sustainability, and strategies for industry growth.
One of the major highlights will be the Maritime Leaders’ Forum, hosted by the Indian Maritime Centre, which will bring together top decision-makers to discuss policy directions and business strategies. Another key attraction will be the CTO Forum, which will focus on themes such as green shipping, automation, and the adoption of emerging digital technologies shaping the future of global trade.
In addition to these, panel sessions will address critical issues such as skills development, the well-being of seafarers, and the promotion of women’s leadership within the maritime sector. These sessions aim to highlight human capital as a central pillar for long-term industry resilience and progress.
The exhibition will also showcase the Domestic Shipyard Pavilion, which will highlight India’s growing expertise in vessel construction, maintenance, and repair. To recognise innovation, leadership, and excellence, the prestigious Maritime Excellence Awards will be presented, celebrating organisations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sector.
India’s maritime and shipping sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, guided by a vision of sustainability, resilience, and smarter infrastructure. National programmes such as the HaritSagar Green Port Guidelines, the Green Tug Transition Programme, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission are shaping this future, driving the industry toward cleaner operations and greater global competitiveness.
The government has allocated ₹70,000 crore to the Maritime Development Fund — a 2.8x increase over the previous budget — aimed at accelerating fleet modernisation, adoption of alternative fuels, and port upgrades. From green hydrogen and ammonia to biofuels and LNG, India is placing sustainability at the heart of its maritime strategy, positioning itself as a frontrunner in global maritime decarbonisation.
