Mumbai: The Maharashtra Fisheries Development Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three Finland-based companies to modernise Sassoon Dock in Mumbai, with the aim of transforming the historic fishing harbour into a technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable facility.
The agreement was signed with Finnish firms Helvar, Mirasis and River Recycle at an event held in Mumbai. The collaboration will introduce advanced technologies and sustainable practices to improve the dock’s infrastructure and operational efficiency.
Under the partnership, the project will focus on strengthening waste management systems, recycling plastic waste and improving the handling of discarded fishing nets. Plans also include the modernisation of net-repair systems. Training and capacity-building programmes will be organised for fishermen and dock workers to help them adopt modern technologies and sustainable practices.
Sassoon Dock is one of India’s oldest and most significant fishing harbours and remains a vital centre for Maharashtra’s fisheries sector. State Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane said the harbour currently has around 1,560 registered mechanised fishing boats.
The dock records an average annual fish production of about 50,000 to 60,000 metric tonnes and supports thousands of fishermen and traders involved in Mumbai’s seafood trade.
In recent years, the state government has carried out several infrastructure upgrades at the harbour. These include construction of net-mending sheds, workshops, underground water tanks, pump houses and protective boundary walls, along with renovation of public facilities to improve working conditions for the fishing community.
Additional projects are also underway, including the development of an ice plant, strengthening of the jetty wall, fishermen’s rest rooms and a modern auction hall. The new collaboration with Finnish firms is expected to further enhance sustainability at the dock through improved waste management and recycling initiatives, while supporting the state’s efforts to build world-class fisheries infrastructure and promote sustainable coastal development.
