The Maharashtra Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Saturday (March 7, 2026) with three Finnish companies to modernise Sassoon Dock. The agreement was signed by the Maharashtra Fisheries Development Corporation with the Finland-based Helvar, Mirasis, and River Recycle at an event held in Mumbai.

Sassoon Dock currently has around 1,560 registered mechanised fishing boats, and records an average annual fish production of 50,000 to 60,000 metric tonnes, making it an important economic centre for the fishing community, and a priority for the Maharashtra Government, State Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane said, speaking on the occasion.

Construction of net-mending sheds, workshops, underground water tanks, water pipelines, pump houses, and protective walls, along with renovation of public facilities, has been undertaken in recent days. Work related to ice plants, strengthening of the jetty wall, fish workers’ restrooms, and a modern auction hall are being undertaken, he said. 

The tie-up with the Finnish companies will focus on improving waste management, recycling of plastic waste and discarded fishing nets, and strengthening the net repair system through capacity building.  The initiative is also aimed at making the dock efficient and sustainable for fishing. 

The project was in line with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s plan to develop world-class fisheries infrastructure while ensuring the welfare of the fishing community, and sustainable coastal development, the Minister said.