From a Danish maritime perspective, the Indian market is of growing interest, given its large, young and talented population and its long coastline along some of the world´s most densely trafficked shipping routes. The growing economy of India and the recent geopolitical changes in Asia, which inter alia translates into new ports and a rapidly expanding navy, makes India even more relevant as a market and as a partner.

Against this background Danish Maritime – in close cooperation with Asia House Denmark, Confederation of Danish Industries (India office), Innovation Center Denmark in Bangalore and Red Thread Consulting – gathered a large group of participants representing more than 20 Danish maritime providers, a handful of organisations and authorities from both Denmark and India for a webinar about maritime opportunities for Danish maritime companies in India. Such opportunities may include customers, local agents, local production or sourcing of components or talent from India.

At the webinar that took place 1st of March 2023 Mr Bimal Haridas, Head of Marine and of Head PrimeServ Marine & Power India from MAN Energy Solutions, gave a key-note intervention about his company´s experience and ways to succeed in India. Mr Haridas also mentioned the decision of India´s government to ban older ships, which might increase the need for new tonnage. The organisers presented the findings of their joint “Indo-Danish Maritime Bridge” initiative which serves to identify and map maritime opportunities in India, thanks to generous support from the Danish Maritime Fund.

Among the participating Danish companies were several with longstanding experience from doing business in India, some which have had only minor or attempted to do business in India and a group of companies, which are still considering if the Indian market is relevant to them. As a follow-up to the webinar, it will be explored if separate online or hybrid events between Indian shipyards and shipowners and Danish maritime providers can be arranged and perhaps pave the way for subsequent physical business meetings.

Contact: Director of International Affairs, Mr Bjarke Wiehe Bøtcher, bwb@danskemaritime.dk