On the sidelines of SMM 2026 in Hamburg, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Vijay Kumar, along with the Indian delegation held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economic Affairs, Labour and Innovation, Hamburg, to explore opportunities for strengthening India–Hamburg maritime cooperation. The discussion focused on advancing the green hydrogen and derivatives ecosystem, promoting green shipping corridors, sustainable port development, and deeper collaboration across emerging areas of the maritime sector. 

The meeting also explored avenues for partnership around the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal and the Bharat Container Shipping Line. As India accelerates its transition towards cleaner fuels, green ports and sustainable shipping, the engagement underscored the strong potential for India–Hamburg collaboration in building a sustainable, innovative and future-ready maritime ecosystem.