Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the second ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue 2025 on 30 June 2025 aboard the MV Empress, a Cordelia Cruises Ship, at Chennai Port Authority. The Cruise Bharat Mission Secretariat, under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, is organising this dialogue. This flagship two-day forum brings together over 30 delegates from all 10 ASEAN member states—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam— and Timor Leste, alongside over 40 senior government and industry representatives from India.
The Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Shantanu Thakur, Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary (PSW); Shri Srinivas Gotru, Indian Ambassador to ASEAN; Shri Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & DG, Tourism; Shri Sunil Paliwal, Chairman of the Cruise Bharat Mission Secretariat, Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited; and senior Government of Tamil Nadu dignitaries including, Dr. K. Manivasan (Additional Chief Secretary), Tmt. Shilpa Prabhakar Satish (Commissioner & MD, TTDC), and Thiru T.N. Venkatesh (Principal Secretary & CEO, TN Maritime Board) were also present.
Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said that ‘ASEAN is a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy and a vital partner in shaping a peaceful, prosperous Indo-Pacific. Cruise Bharat Mission enables speedier realization of our cruise tourism goals.
Foundation Stone Laying: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal laid foundation stone for 4 Projects at Chennai Port with a total project cost of Rs. 67.21 Crores. The project details are as follows:
1. Improvement of Cruise Terminal @ Rs. 19.95 Crores is expected to double the passenger handling capacity from 1500 pax to 3000 pax by October 2025.
2. Development of paved storage yard in 9.90 hectares @ Rs. 36.91 Crores will improve operational efficiency, safety, facilitate multi-modal cargo evacuation, minimize dust and reduce risks of cargo contamination.
3. Development of Seafarers Club @ Rs. 5.10 Crores will enhance welfare and comfort of maritime professionals. Spread in 1578 sq. meters area, this club will have lounge area, shopping zones, mini library, indoor games, restaurant and conference hall.
4. Conservation, Renovation and Restoration of Old Hydraulic Power House into a historic monument – a museum for public exhibit – at Rs. 5.25 Crores. This building, constructed during 1920, use to supply steam power to ships at Chennai Port.
Additionally, in alignment with the Government’s ‘Green Tug Transition Programme’ (GTTP)—announced by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways at the Chintan Shivir in Srinagar on 6–7 March 2025—Chennai Port has formally commenced the acquisition of its first electric Green Tug of 60-ton bollard-pull capacity, which will bolster domestic shipbuilding and reduce emissions across Port operations.
Following the announcement, the Union Minister inspected Aqua Stentor, a 70-ton capacity Green Tug currently berthed at Chennai Port, and witnessed its operational demonstration, 100% electric, 2,728 kWh battery pack with 30-year life, featuring 8 hours runtime and 1.5-hour rapid charge capabilities. Such tugs are already in use at Abu Dhabi, Antwerp, Auckland, and Rotterdam ports.
Minister of State of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Shantanu Thakur said that under the grand vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are Transforming our waters into bridges of growth, friendship, and shared values.
The Secretary of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri T. K. Ramachandran said that Ocean and Rivers do not separate but connect us. Cruise Tourism is strategic for cultural diplomacy which can become a potent tool for deeper, inclusive, green and prosperous alliances with ASEAN.
His Excellency Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General of ASEAN, through a recorded video said that India’s Vision & initiatives are in synergy with the ASEAN’s vision of 2045 and the ASEAN look forward to an Inclusive, Innovative, people centric and strategic partnership.
The Chairman of Cruise Bharat Mission Secretariat, Indian Ports Association, Chennai & Kamarajar Port, Shri Sunil Paliwal Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that ASEAN is our vital partner in developing Cruise Tourism and deepening ties for sustainable maritime growth.
Session 1 — ASEAN Cruise Tourism: ASEAN representatives and Senior Government Officials engaged in an in-depth discussion on regulatory frameworks, best practices in cruise sector, connectivity challenges and way forward and optimizing partnerships to enhance cruise operations across ASEAN and Indian ports.
Session 2 and Session 3 will be held on 1st July 2025 at Mamallapuram, where participants will discuss, amongst other topics, heritage-driven tourism in the region.
A Guided tour of Mamallapuram’s UNESCO-listed heritage sites – shore temples and rock carvings— is planned for the visiting delegates on 1st July 2025, showcasing the region’s potential as a cruise-tourism destination.
Outcome & Way Forward: The government aims to promote cruise cooperation and cruise corridors between Indian and ASEAN with a focus on infrastructure standardization, knowledge exchange, and stakeholder incentives.