Modi was speaking on the occasion of 45th National Maritime Day which coincided with the 27th Gujarat Maritime Board foundation day here today.

He said private investment in port infrastructure was to the tune of Rs 17,000 crores till date while investment commitments were expected to go up to Rs 20,000 crore by 2011.

Modi said the profit development has got a massive thrust in terms of creating infrastrucutre and awareness to achieve maritime excellence in last seven years.

The maritime board in Gujarat was formed in 1981. The state witnessed a steep rise of 145 metric tonnes in cargo export in 2008 as compared to 41 metric tonne in 2000.

"The voyage of first Indian steamship S S Loyalty marked the rise of nationalism but what is commendable is the spirit of Gujarati seafarers and maritime community, which bring prosperity to the nation," the Chief Minister said.