Maharashtra Signs MoU With Finnish Firms to Modernise Sassoon Dock | 10 Mar 2026

Why in News? 

The Government of Maharashtra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three Finland‑based companies to modernise the historic Sassoon Dock in Mumbai, aiming to transform it into a technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable fishing harbour. 

Key Points: 

• Agreement: The MoU was signed with Finland‑based companies Helvar, Mirasis, and River Recycle to introduce advanced technology and sustainable practices at Sassoon Dock. 
• Objective: The partnership focuses on upgrading infrastructure, improving waste management, strengthening plastic recycling, and modernising net‑repair systems at the dock. 
  • The initiative will also include training and capacity building programmes for fishermen and dock workers to adopt modern and sustainable fishing harbour practices. 
• Significance: Sassoon Dock is one of India’s oldest and most important fishing harbours, hosting about 1,560 registered mechanised fishing boats and recording an annual fish production of 50,000–60,000 metric tonnes, supporting thousands involved in Mumbai’s seafood trade. 
  • The Maharashtra government has already undertaken infrastructure upgrades at the dock including net‑mending sheds, workshops, water tanks, pump houses, protective walls, and renovated public facilities for better working conditions. 
• Focus: The collaboration with Finnish firms aims to make the harbour more environmentally sustainable, leveraging improved waste management systems and recycling initiatives. 
• Government Vision: The project aligns with the state government’s vision to develop world‑class fisheries infrastructure, ensuring welfare of fishing communities and promoting sustainable coastal development in Maharashtra.