Pratik Bijlani –
On April 2nd, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) in Powai, Mumbai hosted a seminar titled “Green Shipping Challenges”, as part of the National Maritime Day Celebrations (Central) Committee’s Merchant Navy Week events. Organized under the aegis of the Directorate General of Shipping and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, the seminar gathered key maritime leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to deliberate on the evolving landscape of green shipping and sustainability.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, and Guest of Honor Mr. Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman of IRS. Other prominent attendees included Dr. Sudhir Kohakade, Mr. P.K. Mishra, Capt. S.M. Halbe, Capt. Philip Matthews, Mr. Sunil Kumar, and Mr. Sanjeev Mehra, among others. The seminar aimed to explore the challenges, innovations, and policy measures required to achieve India’s green shipping goals.
In his welcome speech, Mr. S.M. Rai, Former Chairman of IMEI Mumbai Branch, underscored the importance of sustainability in shipping, urging collective action toward IMO’s 2030 and 2050 emission targets. This was followed by a keynote address from Mr. P.K. Mishra, who outlined India’s commitment to green shipping while navigating global regulatory shifts. He emphasized the need for infrastructure upgrades, financial investments, and workforce training, citing Sagar Mala, Green Port Guidelines, and the Harit Nauka initiative as key government-led sustainability programs.
A unique element of the seminar was an interactive experiment introduced by Mr. Sanjeev Mehra, where cadets were tasked with documenting the key insights of the session. As he put it, “This is not a test for them; it’s a test for us to see if what is happening here is actually percolating down.”
The highlight of the event was a fireside chat, moderated by Mr. Naveen Kumar and Mr. S.M. Rai, featuring 11 industry experts sharing their perspectives on green shipping. Mr. Gopikrishna C., Engineer & Ship Surveyor at DG Shipping, spoke about India’s policy-driven transformation, stating, “India’s maritime sector is on a transformative journey towards sustainability, with a clear roadmap set by the National Green Shipping Policy, backed by strategic initiatives like Sagar Mala, MIV 2030, and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.”
Discussions delved into alternative fuels, carbon capture, and emissions reduction strategies. Mr. Prasad Nayak, General Manager (Training) at Anglo-Eastern, addressed the complexities of new fuel technologies, asserting, “Each kind of fuel has its own unique advantages and challenges, but ultimately, the ships must be safe for the seafarers who operate them.” The conversation covered the viability of methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and biofuels, with experts stressing the need for flexible and scalable solutions.
As the event progressed, Mr. Arun Sharma reflected on the historical evolution of the maritime industry, drawing parallels between past revolutions and today’s transition to sustainable shipping. He remarked, “The maritime industry is on the brink of its biggest technical transition since the move from sail to steam. Over the next 20 years, fleet renewal with radical technology will be key to meeting emission norms and ensuring sustainable shipping.”
The seminar concluded with an address by Shri Shyam Jagannathan, who emphasized India’s strategic positioning in global sustainability efforts. He stated, “The transition to green shipping is both intricate and urgent, driven by technological advancements and the global imperative for sustainability. India must position itself as a leader in this transformation, ensuring fair economic measures while fostering indigenous shipbuilding and green finance under Atma Nirbhar Bharat. The National Green Shipping Policy will be a cornerstone in mobilizing resources, enhancing training, and reducing emissions through digitalization and just-in-time operations.”
The seminar ended with a vote of thanks from Dr. Sudhir Kohakade, followed by a memento presentation to the speakers and a networking hi-tea session. The discussions underscored a collective industry commitment toward green shipping solutions, highlighting the regulatory, technical, and financial strategies necessary to steer India’s maritime sector into a sustainable future.
Marex Media