In a landmark move to rejuvenate one of Mumbai’s oldest and busiest fishing harbours, the Maharashtra government has partnered with Finland to modernise Sassoon Dock using advanced, eco-friendly technologies. The collaboration, announced on September 17, 2025, aims to transform the 19th-century dock into a world-class, clean, efficient, and sustainable maritime hub.
Located in South Mumbai, Sassoon Dock has long been a vital node in India’s coastal economy. However, decades of overcapacity, poor hygiene, and outdated infrastructure have raised serious concerns about safety, environmental degradation, and the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen. The joint initiative between Maharashtra’s Fisheries Department and Finnish companies is set to address these challenges head-on.
Strategic Objectives of the Sassoon Dock Modernisation Project
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Upgrade | Introduce modular, scalable dock facilities |
| Hygiene and Safety | Improve fish handling standards and sanitation |
| Environmental Sustainability | Combat plastic pollution and reduce odour |
| Technology Integration | Deploy digital surveillance and automation |
| Fishermen Welfare | Enhance earnings through efficient operations |
| International Cooperation | Leverage Finland’s expertise in marine innovation |
Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane, who led the discussions with Finland’s delegation, emphasized the importance of global partnerships in revitalizing India’s maritime assets. “This is not just a facelift—it’s a transformation rooted in technology, sustainability, and dignity for our fishing communities,” he said.
Finnish Expertise: Key Companies and Technologies Involved
| Finnish Company | Area of Contribution |
|---|---|
| Lamor Corporation | Environmental management and marine waste solutions |
| Mirasys India | Advanced surveillance and data analytics |
| Helios Lighting Solutions | Smart lighting and energy efficiency |
| RiverRecycle | Plastic waste recovery and circular economy models |
The Finnish delegation, led by Consul General Erik af Hällström and Deputy Consul General Eva Nilsson, toured Sassoon Dock and held strategic planning sessions with Maharashtra officials. Their focus was on deploying modular infrastructure, digital tools, and green technologies that could be scaled across other Indian ports.
Current Challenges at Sassoon Dock
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| Overcapacity | Congestion and inefficient operations |
| Poor Hygiene | Health risks and reduced fish quality |
| Odour and Waste Management | Environmental and public nuisance |
| Lack of Modern Equipment | Low productivity and earnings |
| Inadequate Lighting and Safety | Risk to workers and visitors |
Built in 1875 by David Sassoon, the dock was once a symbol of Mumbai’s maritime prowess. Today, it struggles to cope with the demands of modern fishing and trade. The modernization plan seeks to restore its legacy while preparing it for future challenges.
Proposed Modernisation Features
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Modular Fish Handling Units | Faster, cleaner processing |
| Smart Surveillance Systems | Enhanced security and operational monitoring |
| LED Lighting Automation | Energy savings and improved visibility |
| Plastic Waste Recovery Stations | Cleaner waters and circular economy integration |
| Digital Dock Management | Real-time data for logistics and scheduling |
The project will also include training programs for fishermen to operate new equipment and adopt sustainable practices, ensuring that technology adoption is inclusive and empowering.
Timeline and Implementation Strategy
| Phase | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Planning and Design | Q4 2025 |
| Infrastructure Rollout | Q1–Q2 2026 |
| Technology Deployment | Q2–Q3 2026 |
| Training and Capacity Building | Q3 2026 |
| Full Operational Launch | Q4 2026 |
The Maharashtra government has committed to fast-tracking approvals and ensuring that the dock remains operational during the upgrade. A phased implementation will minimize disruption to fishing activities.
Impact on Local Economy and Fishermen
| Area of Impact | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|
| Fishermen Earnings | Increase through faster turnover and better quality |
| Job Creation | New roles in tech, maintenance, and logistics |
| Export Potential | Improved standards for global seafood markets |
| Tourism and Heritage | Enhanced visitor experience and cultural preservation |
The modernization is expected to benefit over 1,500 fishing families directly and thousands more through ancillary services. It will also position Sassoon Dock as a model for sustainable port development across India.
Environmental and Social Sustainability
| Sustainability Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Plastic Pollution Control | RiverRecycle’s systems to extract and repurpose waste |
| Energy-Efficient Lighting | Helios LED automation to reduce carbon footprint |
| Wastewater Management | Modular treatment units to prevent marine contamination |
| Community Engagement | Fishermen cooperatives involved in planning and oversight |
The project aligns with India’s Blue Economy goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to life below water, clean energy, and decent work.
Conclusion: A Historic Dock Reimagined for the Future
The Maharashtra–Finland partnership to modernise Sassoon Dock is more than an infrastructure upgrade—it’s a vision for inclusive, sustainable, and tech-driven maritime development. By blending heritage with innovation, the project promises to restore Sassoon Dock’s status as a thriving, clean, and globally competitive fishing harbour.
As implementation begins, the dock will stand as a testament to international cooperation, environmental stewardship, and the resilience of Mumbai’s fishing communities.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government statements, verified news reports, and official releases. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or policy advice. All plans and timelines are subject to change based on official updates.
