Pratik Bijlani –
On April 24 the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) (IMEI) conducted a technical webinar focusing on the pressing issues of sea piracy and terrorism and the technological solutions for ensuring maritime security and safe shipping lanes. The webinar aimed to address these concerns by exploring the utilization of technology, including artificial intelligence, modeling, and simulation, to enhance the resilience of maritime operations.
It brought together distinguished experts from various fields to share insights and strategies for mitigating the risks associated with piracy and terrorism in maritime environments.
Cdr Dr Bhaskar Bhatnagar, Vice President IMEI welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the webinar’s theme. He emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to ensure the safety and security of mariners and maritime operations.
Mr Amit Bhatnagar, Vice President and Head of IRCLASS Academy delved into the historical context of piracy and terrorism in maritime history. He highlighted significant events such as the hijacking of the Achille Lauro ship and the subsequent development of international conventions and codes, including the Convention for Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA Convention) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Mr David Birwadkar, Head of The Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies continued the discussion by examining the evolving nature of piracy and terrorism and their economic consequences. He emphasized the need for updated guidelines and regulations to address modern security threats effectively. Mr Birwadkar also highlighted recent incidents, such as the hijacking of commercial ships by the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, underscoring the urgency of the issue.
Capt Anish Joseph, Deputy Nautical Adviser cum Senior Deputy Director General at the Directorate General of Shipping, provided insights into the Indian government’s efforts to address maritime security challenges. He outlined the government’s Anti-Piracy Contingency Plan and its initiatives to combat piracy and terrorism in collaboration with international partners.
During the webinar, Mr Birwadkar remarked, “We are all in a fix at the moment, as ship owners, ship operators, and ship staff are too afraid to transit through those regions. But we do it for the larger picture as shipping is required.”
The webinar concluded with a call for greater collaboration between industry stakeholders, governments, and international organizations to develop comprehensive strategies for safeguarding maritime operations against piracy and terrorism threats.
Marex Media