Setting Sail for Growth: Joseph Kuriacose on India’s Only Boat & Marine Show

TFT: The expo is the only Boating and Water Sports Equipments Show happening in India. Please tell us about it?

JK: India Boat & Marine Show (IBMS), now entering its 8th edition is scheduled to take place from January 29–31, 2026, at the Bolgatty Palace Event Centre in Cochin, IBMS has become India’s most focused platform for the boating, marine, leisure, rescue, and maritime ecosystem. Over the years, the show has grown from a niche industry gathering into a meeting point for boat builders, technology providers, government agencies, investors, and operators from India and abroad. The 2026 edition builds on the momentum of previous years, with expanded exhibition zones, technical conferences, and strong participation from both public and private stakeholders.

TFT: What is the story behind conceptualising such a unique event?

JK: When we launched our 1^st Edition in 2017, India did not have a Boat Show taking place in the country. The Maritime Sector is quite strong in Kerala and goes far back as 2000 years, as early trade with Roman Empire existed between Muziris Port & Egypt even in that time. Boat building sector is quite vibrant in the State and we have around 20-30 Boatyards in Kerala only.

TFT: Why only Kochi is chosen as the venue for the expo? Is it due to the visitor turnout or any other reason behind it?

JK: IBMS is currently the only trade show happening in the country for the Inland Water Transportation, Leisure/Rescue Boating and Water Sports Tourism sectors. With many new launches being planned by exhibitors at the show, IBMS will be a game changer for this sector. Cochin has become a global hub for ship building & ship repair with the new projects being commissioned at Cochin Shipyard Ltd. The projects will not only boost infrastructure, but will also provide employment and support MSMEs.  Cochin is also host to Asia’s only Water Metro Transportation System-Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML).

TFT: What are the different types of products that the visitors can expect during the expo? And is there any conference scheduled?

JK: Visitors will be able to see Speed Boats, Rescue Boats, Jet Skis, Kayaks, OBMs, Boat & Marine Equipments and Other Products related to Water Sports Sector. The Technical Sessions & VDP Session schedule is attached herewith.

TFT: Talking about the previous edition, how was the response from the exhibitors and visitors?

JK: With this 8th Edition, IBMS has been able to attract participation from across the MSME’s in the Country and also in the Vendor Development Program(VDP) that NSIc will be organising on the 2nd day of the expo. This will be in line with the Central Government Atma Nirbhar—Make in India campiagn, encouraging MSMEs to contribute to the nation’s Ship Building & Maritime Sector.

TFT: What key opportunities do you see emerging in sectors such as leisure boating, shipbuilding, marine tourism, and coastal infrastructure?

JK: The Marine Industry can benefit immensely by attending this event to get connected with the large Public Sector Uits(PSU) in the country as well as the local boat builders to look at joint ventures etc in this sector too. Govt of India is giving pushing reforms & funds into Water Transportation and Water Sports activities all over the country.

TFT: Which segments, commercial marine, leisure boating, shipyards, marine equipment, or services are seeing the strongest exhibitor interest?

JK: Leisure Boating & water Sports crafts has seen huge growth over the years.

TFT: What kind of response are you receiving from government bodies, ports, and maritime authorities?

JK: We have received very good responses from both State & Central Government Bodies & Agencies for IBMS 2026.

TFT: What are some of the key challenges in organising a specialised marine exhibition in India, and how are you addressing them?

JK: Being the Only Boating Show in India and due to logistics and draft issues, we cannot have Boats on Water Display at the event—this is the key challenge we are facing.

TFT: How do you see the India Boat and Marine Show growing over the next three to five years? Are there any plans to expand this show to other cities?

JK: IBMS has tremendous potential to grow in the next 5 years time & we are looking at Mumbai for the 2027 Edition with the support of Maharashtra Tourism.

TFT: Lastly, what message would you like to share to our readers?

JK: IBMS being the only Boating & Water Sports Crafts expo taking place in the country, we encourage readers to visit the expo to get a first hand reckoning of the sector. Do visit www.indiaboatshow.in.