Jagdamba Prasad Pandey – The AMET Global Maritime Summit 2024 (AGMS 2024) and AMET Global Maritime Awards 2024 (AGMA 2024) wrapped up on July 2 at the Anna Centenary Library Auditorium in Chennai. This important event, organised by the Dr J Ramachandran Maritime Foundation and AMET University, drew over 1250 industry experts, academicians, and stakeholders from all over the world.
AGMS 2024, themed “Charting the Future of Maritime Excellence,” included a series of enlightening panel discussions, technical seminars, and keynote remarks by esteemed industry experts. The summit provided an engaging forum for debating the latest achievements, problems, and opportunities in the maritime sector.
The summit commenced with a welcome speech by Col. Dr G Thiruvasagam, Pro-Chancellor (Academics) of AMET University and Member-Secretary of the Dr J Ramachandran Maritime Foundation. He emphasised the conference’s dual function in meeting the demands of the maritime industry and harmonising with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In his presidential address, Dr J Ramachandran, Founder-Chancellor of AMET University, underscored India’s accomplishments in the shipping and logistics industries, as well as AMET University’s critical role in this success. He emphasised the significance of ongoing industry-academic collaboration, innovation, and strategic efforts in moving maritime education and the sector ahead. He also emphasised the importance of sustainability, collaboration, and innovation in addressing global concerns and fostering environmental stewardship for sustainable shipping.
In his address, Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Government of India outlined India’s substantial progress in the shipping and logistics business over the last decade and provided a vision for the future, focusing on transformative reforms to improve the sector. He predicted a requirement for 21 lakh officers and ratings by 2026, citing a global lack of maritime workers in Korea, Singapore, Canada, Australia, and Denmark. He also mentioned India’s efforts to decarbonise shipping, such as the building of a hydrogen fuel cell ferry, and emphasised the need of port capacity expansion and wellbeing for young cadets. Highlighting gender equality, he launched the Sagar Mey Samman programme to promote a gender-inclusive marine sector with a zero-tolerance policy for hurdles faced by female seafarers.
Dr Rajesh Ramachandran, Pro-Chancellor of AMET University and Chairman of the Dr. J Ramachandran Maritime Foundation, discussed various crucial issues confronting the shipping sector. He spotlighted the importance of navigating these challenges while remaining focused on nautical excellence. He accentuated the importance of digitization in improving operational efficiency and sustainability. He described the AGMS as a key forum that brings together policymakers, industry executives, seafarers, students, and stakeholders to develop collaboration and drive genuine progress in the maritime industry.
Underlining India’s strong marine industry expansion, Prof Adam Weintrit, Chair of the International Association of marine Universities (IAMU) and Rector of Gdynia Maritime Academy reiterated the value of global summits like AGMS in bringing together varied stakeholders to exchange ideas critical to business progress. He campaigned for comprehensive engagement with serving sailors to ensure that technical improvements and new policies are useful onboard.
Prof Dr V Rajendran, Vice Chancellor of AMET University, presented the Felicitation Address. Capt Srinivas Gopal, Principal marine Courses at AMET University, discussed the concept of AGMS 2024 and AGMA 2024, which aims to encourage marine innovation and sustainability. He introduced the technical sessions, which focused on technological innovation, education, and sustainability, laying the groundwork for the marine industry’s successful and resilient future.
Mr Jagannathan released the Proceedings, and the first copy was received by Prof Weintrit. Dr Sangeetha Albin, Additional Registrar and Convener AGMS-2024, AMET University, gave a vote of thanks during the inaugural ceremony.
Capt Arun Mehta, Managing Director of OSM Thome in Mumbai, conducted a panel discussion titled ‘Bridging the Gap between STCW Amendments for Resilient Seafaring’. Ms Sonali Banerjee, Capt Ashutosh Apandkar, Capt Ajay Gangadharan, and Capt Man Mohan Saggi were among the distinguished panellists who shared their insights.
Mr Sunil Kumar, C/E Mr Koki Pannerselvam, Mr Nipun Chatrath, and Capt K Karthik discussed climate change and futuristic technologies for maritime resilience, which was well moderated by Capt Karan Kochhar, Maersk’s Managing Director.
The Chief Guest for the Valedictory Ceremony and AGMA Awards 2024 was His Excellency Mr Haymandoyal Dillum, CSK, High Commissioner, High Commission of the Republic of Mauritius in New Delhi. He commended AMET University as a unique maritime education institution that guarantees placements for its pupils. He emphasised maritime trade’s importance to the economy, as well as the myriad challenges it faces, such as maritime safety, security, and environmental issues such marine pollution and plastic waste.
The renowned AMET Global marine Excellence Awards (AGMA 2024) recognised exceptional individuals and institutions in the marine industry. The awards were presented by His Excellency Mr Dillum, Prof Weintrit, as well as the Founder Chancellor, Dr J Ramachandran.
AGMA Maritime Leadership Award 2024 – Individual Category
- Ms Nynne Norman Scheuer, Senior Director, Head of Marine People & Culture, A.P. Moller-Maersk, Denmark, for promoting sustainable shipping practices and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion
- VADM Eduardo Ma R Santos, AFP (RET), President of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), Philippines, for his visionary leadership in maritime education and advancing naval training standards globally
AGMA Maritime Excellence Award 2024 – Institution Category
- The Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), Philippines, for its commitment to excellence in maritime education, training, and research
AGMA Maritime Innovation Award 2024 – Innovation Category
- Mr Suraj Singh, Founder CEO, Seaker Systems Pvt Ltd, Maharashtra, India, for his innovative contributions to digitalization and automation in the shipping industry
Dr Ramachandran emphasised the necessity of nurturing marine excellence and innovation to address future industrial concerns. He acknowledged the difficulties of selecting honorees and praised the jury, chaired by Prof Weintrit, for their outstanding work. He recognised the excellent achievements of Ms Scheuer, Mr Santos, Mr Singh, and the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) to maritime education, leadership, and innovation.
Dr Deepa Rajesh, Vice President (Academics) and AGMA 2024 Convener, delivered the event’s closing vote of thanks. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the organising committee, prominent guests, panellists, speakers, and attendees for their tireless efforts in making the event a success. The AMET Global marine Summit (AGMS) and AMET Global Maritime Awards (AGMA) will be hosted on an annual basis, serving as a premier forum for recognising and promoting excellence in the marine industry.
Marex Media