Gateway Terminals India signs MoU launching Skill Development Programme

Gateway Terminals India (GTI) – also known as APM Terminals Mumbai – has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to Launch Skill Development Programme for the port sector with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Vadhvan Port Project Ltd. (VPPL).

In line with the Government of India’s "Skill India Programme," GTI has announced a strategic collaboration with JNPA and VPPL to introduce an extensive skill development training initiative. This program is specifically designed to empower the local community, enhance employability, and promote greater diversity within the port operations sector.

This initiative underscores a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion while producing a job-ready workforce, enabling the Government’s initiatives to boost employment generation as announced in Union Budget 2025. Organised at the GTI premises, this programme would provide vocational training and technical expertise tailored to the port sector, equipping individuals with job-ready skills, covering areas like Safety, Maintenance, Planning, and Equipment Operations.

Building toward ports of the future

In this innovative alliance, GTI and VPPL are set to revolutionise workforce development, making skilling the backbone of India's economic growth and fulfilling the government’s mantra of “ports for prosperity and ports for progress”. By harnessing GTI’s expertise in port operations, JNPA’s administrative support, and VPPL’s broader developmental goals, this initiative aims to create tangible, lasting improvements in local communities through skill-based training. The programme will feature an industry-aligned curriculum delivered through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical, on-the-job training. Key highlights of the programme include inclusive training methodologies, specific diversity initiatives, and apprenticeships that will offer stipends or compensation to participants.

The core objectives of this programme are to:

• Educate and train individuals impacted by port development projects (PAP).
• Provide industry-aligned, high-quality training to promising candidates.
• Significantly enhance the participation and engagement of women in port operations.
• Actively promote greater diversity across the port industry.

Shri Unmesh Wagh – Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), said, “I wholeheartedly congratulate GTI for taking up this crucial skill development programme. This initiative not only provides valuable opportunities for our local community but also demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion within the port sector. We are proud to partner with GTI in this endeavour, which will undoubtedly contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the local community and foster a more representative workforce.”

“At APM Terminals, we are committed to creating future-ready jobs and opportunities wherever we operate,” said Jon Goldner, Managing Director Asia & Middle East APM Terminals. “Upskilling and training are a core part of our global value proposition, and initiatives like this skill development programme in India underline that commitment. By investing in people, we strengthen local communities, drive sustainable growth and build a more inclusive and resilient port sector for the future.”

Sunay Mukerjee, COO, Gateway Terminals India said “The signing of this MoU is just the beginning of a great initiative. Through this skill development programme, GTI is committed to enhancing opportunities, creating a more skilled workforce for India’s growing port sector, and bringing greater diversity to the port operations landscape. We believe this collaboration with JNPA and VPPL will make a real difference in the lives of individuals and contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive industry.”