The INMEX SMM India 2025 trade fair – the largest maritime industry event in South Asia – concluded last week, bringing together hundreds of exhibitors and experts from around the world. Discussions focused on new technologies for shipyards and ports, process digitalization, and the green transition in shipping. For the first time, Polish companies exhibited together in Mumbai under the patronage of the Ministry of Infrastructure.

At the national stand, companies such as Nauta Repair Shipyard, Gryfia Repair Shipyard, Polish Register of Shipping (PRS), and the Polish Maritime Technology Forum (PFTM) presented their offerings, alongside PFTM members including Famor, Bohamet, and Marani. The Polish presence was well noticed – and the interest from Indian partners exceeded expectations.

„Once again we succeeded – we have proof of very effective cooperation between Polish companies and institutions,” said Mateusz Kowalewski, president of GospodarkaMorska.pl and PFTM. He emphasized that the Indian market is “very interesting and full of prospects” and that Polish companies are demonstrating their ability to cooperate and build a platform for international partnerships.

Shipyards hope for long-term cooperation

During the conference accompanying the fair, representatives of the Indian government declared long-term development prospects for the industry – a signal that drew the attention of Polish shipyards.

“India has orders for the navy and for shipowners, they are building new vessels. This is a big potential for us – especially among clients already present in Europe, who could also use our repair services,” said Adam Potrykus, director of Nauta Repair Shipyard.

Similar views were shared by Lech Lechmański of MSR Gryfia, who pointed out that the company is preparing to service Panamax-class ships. “The Indian market is in a phase of dynamic growth, and our presence here allows us to establish relationships with new clients. The government is planning to build shipyards and vessels, opening up to cooperation with international partners,” he explained.

Investment opportunities

Opportunities in India are not limited to repair shipyards. Aleksandra Skibniewska, president of the Fundusz Rozwoju Spółek (Corporate Development Fund), highlighted that maritime transport worth USD 85 billion is still 90% handled by foreign fleets, but the Indian government is announcing major investments in this area.

“The government of India is investing in infrastructure, expanding shipyards, and building supply chains, seeking cooperation with Denmark, Norway, Germany, Korea, and Japan. Poland has not yet been mentioned – and this is a huge opportunity for us to enter into cooperation at the very moment when massive investments are being planned,”she noted.

Certification and safety

The Polish Register of Shipping also sees India as a natural direction for expansion. “The market is developing dynamically, and government decisions indicate further growth of the shipbuilding and maritime industry. That’s why we plan to hire an inspector in Mumbai this year, and eventually open an office and apply for recognized organization status,” emphasized Aleksander Łęgowski, Director of the Ship Division at PRS.

Technology and equipment

Suppliers of marine equipment also pointed to significant interest from local partners. “We were met with a very warm reception and held many talks with potential clients. The Indian market is attractive to us also because there is no visible dominance of Chinese competitors here,” said Anna Pawlikowska, export and marketing director at Famor.

Indian authorities announce ambitious plan

At the state level, Maharashtra’s Minister Nitesh Rane spoke of ambitions to make the region a global maritime industry hub. The new “Shipbuilding, Ship Repair & Ship Recycling 2025” policy is intended to accelerate investment in shipyards and repair services. Meanwhile, the federal government announced its goal of achieving a 5% share of the global shipbuilding market by 2030, with a focus on shipyard modernization and process digitalization.

Polish industry looks to the future

The Polish Maritime Technology Forum now brings together about 80 members and consistently supports their presence at global industry events – from Posidonia in Greece, to Europort in Istanbul, to SMM in Hamburg. Later this year, Polish companies will appear under the PFTM banner at Baltexpo in Gdańsk and Europort in Rotterdam, and in 2026, participation in further international events is planned.

“Our presence here proves that the Polish maritime industry can integrate and act together for the internationalization of our sector. Huge thanks to all co-exhibitors for the great cooperation and atmosphere, especially to Nauta Repair Shipyard, which once again brings the community together and supports the initiative of joint representation of Polish companies on international markets,” summed up Mateusz Kowalewski.

The INMEX SMM India 2025 fair was held on September 10–12, 2025, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. More than 250 companies from over 20 countries exhibited, attracting around 9,000 visitors and over 50 speakers. The next edition is scheduled for 2027.