On April 1, the SCI Auditorium in Mumbai, was the stage for a remarkable seminar titled “Sustainable Shipping – Youth for Maritime Development”, a key highlight of the weeklong Merchant Navy Week celebrations organized by the National Maritime Day (Central) Committee (NMDC) under the aegis of the Directorate General of Shipping and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Government of India. The event gathered industry stalwarts, including Capt BK Tyagi, CMD, SCI; Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping; Capt (Dr) Daniel Joseph, Deputy Director General of Shipping (Crew); Dr Sudhir Kohakade, Deputy Director General of Shipping; Capt DC Sekhar, Director of AlphaMERS; Capt Tushar Pradhan, Secretary General at MUI; Capt SM Halbe, CEO, MASSA; and Capt MP Bhasin, Master Chairman of CMMI.
In his welcome address Mr SM Rai, Former Chairman, IMEI Mumbai Branch emphasized the industry’s sustainability challenges and the need to empower youth with skills and opportunities. The event quickly gained momentum with an awe-inspiring speech by 4th Engineer Yogyata Rani, who shared her extraordinary journey into the maritime world. Overcoming societal norms in her small Bihar village, she pursued marine engineering and earned a place at sea based on merit. She captivated the audience by stating, “There is no fairy tale without some challenges, action, and drama. Life at sea is no different.” Her story of perseverance and passion set the tone for a seminar focused on change and innovation.
A crucial issue in the maritime sector was highlighted in Capt Joseph’s presentation, “The Dark Side of Recruitment”, which shed light on fraudulent recruitment practices exploiting aspiring seafarers. He urged young professionals to remain vigilant and verify job offers through official channels, emphasizing that giving or taking money for job placement is illegal. Capt. Pankaj Nayak, Head of Global Training at d’Amico Ishima India, reinforced the theme of responsibility with his presentation on “Safety at Sea”.
Addressing persistent safety challenges, he drove home a powerful message: “Safety starts with you. It is not just the company’s job or your colleague’s responsibility—it is your own belief and commitment that ensures your well-being.”
Technological advancements took centre stage in Capt. Sundeep Inkurthy’s presentation on AI-driven solutions for efficiency and safety. He demonstrated how predictive maintenance, real-time data, and collaborative platforms are transforming ship operations. Following this, Capt. Suneha Gadpande, Superintendent, Hafnia Shipping (BW) spoke on “Sagar Mein Samman”, advocating for gender inclusivity in maritime and emphasizing the importance of recognition, security, and career sustainability for women at sea.
Dr Deepti Mankad, MindSpeak introduced the Sadhana Yoga Initiative, reinforcing the role of holistic wellness in a seafarer’s life, while Capt Sekhar captivated the audience with groundbreaking robotics solutions for sustainable shipping. Capt Tyagi, in his address, commended India’s maritime system and the remarkable success of India’s first all-women crew onboard the Swarna Krishna, a historic milestone in Indian shipping.
In an insightful presentation Mr Jagannathan, outlined India’s ambitious Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Stressing India’s role in the global maritime sector, he remarked, “This is the story on which we are writing – the demographic dividend, the economic potential, and the future of sustainable maritime development.” He further highlighted, “Despite being the most populous nation, we will be the youngest nation, with 65% of our workforce contributing to global supply chains.” His speech reinforced the critical role of India’s youth in shaping the future of sustainable shipping.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. Sudhir Kohakade, followed by a memento distribution, flower presentations by young cadets, a group photo, and a networking session over hi-tea. The seminar not only underscored India’s commitment to sustainable maritime growth but also inspired the next generation to take charge of the industry’s future with innovation, responsibility, and resilience.
Marex Media
