Mumbai, March 7 The Maharashtra government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three Finnish companies on Saturday to modernize Sassoon Dock and transform it into a world-class fishing harbor.
The Maharashtra Fisheries Development Corporation has signed an agreement with Finland-based companies, Helvar, Mirasis, and River Recycle, at an event held here.
Speaking on the occasion, state Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane said that Sassoon Dock is one of the major fishing harbors in the country and plays a key role in Maharashtra's fisheries economy.
He said that the harbor currently has around 1,560 registered mechanized fishing boats and records an average annual fish production of 50,000 to 60,000 metric tonnes.
Rane said that the development of the harbor is a priority for the state government, as it has emerged as an important economic center for the fishing community.
He pointed out that several infrastructure works have been undertaken at the harbor in recent years, including the construction of net-mending sheds, workshops, underground water tanks, water pipelines, pump houses, and protective walls, along with the renovation of public facilities.
Work is underway on an ice plant, strengthening of the jetty wall, fishermen's rest rooms, and a modern auction hall, he said.
The minister noted that the collaboration with the Finnish companies will focus on improving waste management, recycling of plastic waste and discarded fishing nets, and strengthening the net-repair system through capacity building.
He said that the initiative aims to transform Sassoon Dock into a modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable fishing harbor with greater use of technology and digitization.
The project is in line with the vision of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to develop world-class fisheries infrastructure while ensuring the welfare of the fishing community and sustainable coastal development, he added.