Maharashtra & Finland Collaborate to Modernise Mumbai’s Historic Sassoon Dock.

In September 2025, Nitesh Narayan Rane, Maharashtra’s Minister of Ports Development, announced a technology-driven modernisation plan for Mumbai’s 150-year-old Sassoon Dock in collaboration with Finland. The initiative aims to revive its historical legacy while addressing present-day challenges.

      - Sassoon Dock, built in 1875 by Albert Abdullah David Sassoon, was Western India’s first fully private wet dock. Initially, it handled cotton and opium trade and later evolved into a major hub for Mumbai’s fishing community and fish exports.

      - Spanning nearly 200,000 square feet, Sassoon Dock is one of the oldest docks in South Mumbai. It plays a crucial role in marine trade and is a vital source of livelihood for thousands of fishermen and workers.

      - The dock faces issues such as overcapacity, unhygienic fish-handling practices, lack of modern safety measures, and declining operational efficiency, which hinder its sustainability and export potential.

Main Point :-   (i) The proposed upgrades include modular infrastructure, digital monitoring systems, automated lighting, advanced fishing techniques, eco-friendly practices, and integrated environmental management for a safer, cleaner, and more efficient harbour.

      (ii) The project was launched with the visit of a Finnish delegation led by Consul General Erik af Hällström and Deputy Consul General Eva Nilsson, who held meetings with key Indian stakeholders at Sassoon Dock.

(iii) The initiative involves multiple companies, including Lamor Corporation (Finland), Mirasys India, Helios Lighting Solutions (India), and RiverRecycle (Finland), focusing on technology transfer, eco-friendly innovations, and digital transformation.
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