GMIS - PORTS AS ENGINES OF TRANSFORMATION
Beyond Gateways: Reimagining Ports as Catalysts of Sustainable Growth & Economic Resilience
In an era defined by rapid change and interconnected challenges, ports are being reimagined as more than just entry and exit points for goods—they are emerging as strategic platforms for sustainable development and economic resilience. This session will explore how ports around the world are transforming into integrated hubs that support not only trade, but also innovation, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth.
As global economies seek to build more adaptive and future-ready infrastructure, ports are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. They can serve as anchors for industrial ecosystems, drivers of green transition, and enablers of digital connectivity. By fostering collaboration across sectors and regions, ports can help build resilient supply chains, stimulate local economies, and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals.
This session will bring together global voices from across the maritime, and innovation landscapes to examine the evolving role of ports in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. Attendees can expect thought-provoking insights, real-world examples, and forward-looking strategies that highlight how ports can become true engines of transformation—beyond their traditional role as gateways.
Opening Session
10:00 AM - 10:11 AM (11 minutes)
| Start Time | End Time | Session Title |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | 10:03 AM | Welcome Address by Mr. P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority |
| 10:03 AM | 10:06 AM | Short video presentation on ports |
| 10:06 AM | 10:11 AM | Keynote Address by H.E Dr. Rumaih Bin Mohammed Al Rumaih, Hon'ble Vice Minister of Transport & Logistics, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (To be Confirmed) |
Sub Session 1 -- Ports as Economic Multipliers: Building Resilient Maritime Ecosystem through Regional Integration and Innovation
10:11 AM - 11:16 AM (65 minutes)
| Start Time | End Time | Session Title |
|---|---|---|
| 10:11 AM | 10:13 AM | Felicitation of Guest Speakers |
| 10:13 AM | 10:16 AM | Context Setting by Moderator, Mr. Dhruv Gadh, Partner, PwC India |
| 10:16 AM | 11:01 AM | Moderated Panel Discussion |
| 11:01 AM | 11:11 AM | Audience Engagement |
| 11:11 AM | 11:13 AM | Concluding Remarks |
| 11:13 AM | 11:15 AM | Presentation of Mementoes |
| 11:15 AM | 11:16 AM | Group Photograph |
Sub Session 2 -- Future Ready Ports: Evolving Capabilities for Smart Growth and Strategic Impact
11:26 AM - 12:30 PM (64 minutes)
| Start Time | End Time | Session Title |
|---|---|---|
| 11:26 AM | 11:28 AM | Felicitation of Guest Speakers |
| 11:28 AM | 11:31 AM | Context Setting by Moderator, Mr. Manish Sharma, Partner, PwC India |
| 11:31 AM | 12:15 PM | Moderated Panel Discussion |
| 12:15 PM | 12:25 PM | Audience Engagement |
| 12:25 PM | 12:27 PM | Concluding Remarks |
| 12:27 PM | 12:29 PM | Presentation of Mementoes |
| 12:29 PM | 12:30 PM | Group Photograph |
Keynote Address by Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon'ble Union Cabinet Minister, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India
12:30 PM - 01:00 PM (30 minutes)
| Start Time | End Time | Session Title |
|---|---|---|
| 12:30 PM | 12:32 PM | Welcome Address by Mr. P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority |
| 12:32 PM | 12:34 PM | Felicitation of Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon'ble Union Cabinet Minister, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India |
| 12:34 PM | 12:44 PM | Keynote Address by Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon'ble Union Cabinet Minister, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India |
| 12:44 PM | 12:58 PM | MoU signing |
| 12:58 PM | 01:00 PM | Vote of Thanks by Mr. P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority |
SPOC Details:
Chair of the Session

Mr. P.L. Haranadh
Chairman, Paradip Port Authority
Moderators
Sub Session 1 – Ports as Economic Multipliers: Building Resilient Maritime Ecosystem through Regional Integration and Innovation

Mr. Dhruv Gadh
Partner, PwC India
Sub Session 2 - Future Ready Ports: Evolving Capabilities for Smart Growth and Strategic Impact

Mr. Manish Sharma
Infrastructure and Logistics Leader, PwC India
Speakers

Mr. Ashwani Gupta
Whole-Time Director and CEO, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd

Mr. R Lakshmanan
Joint Secretary (Ports), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India

Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan
Technical Member, NCLT and Member, Adjudicatory Board for Major Ports; Former Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India

Mr. Rinkesh Roy
Joint Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, JSW Infrastructure Limited

Johannah Christensen
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Maritime Forum

Mr. Ingvar M. Mathisen
- Port Director / CEO, Port of Oslo, Norway

Mr. Daljit Singh Kohli
India Representative, Port of Antwerp – Bruges

Dr Albert Veenstra
Senior Program Manager, Erasmus Centre for Urban, Port and Transport Economics, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Mr. Tiemen Meester
Global Chief Operating Officer, P&T, DP World, UAE

Mr. Rizwan Soomar
CEO & Managing Director, North Africa and India Subcontinent, DP World

Mr. Ajay Kumar Singh
Head of Section and Business Development Leader, Maritime Advisory India at DNV

Mr. Ashwin Arvind
Deputy Executive Director, PSA Mumbai


