Pratik Bijlani –
On May 14, the Directorate General of Shipping, in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) Mumbai Branch, hosted a landmark Technical Seminar at the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) in Mumbai. The seminar, dedicated to discussing the outcomes of the 83rd session of the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83), brought together maritime experts, policy-makers, and industry leaders to delve into the implications of the newly approved IMO Net-Zero Framework.
Notable attendees included Capt MP Bhasin, Master Chairman of CMMI; Mr. Sanjeev Mehra, MD of Kenmark Tech Solutions; Capt. Philip Matthews, Director at SIMTF; Capt. Vishal Breja, Director at Seaarland Management Services and other industry stalwarts. The event commenced with a warm welcome by Mr. Rajeev Nayyer, President of IMEI, who underscored the significance of the seminar in aligning India’s maritime sector with global environmental standards.
Shri Ajith Sukumaran, Chief Surveyor at DG Shipping, highlighted India’s pragmatic approach to global regulations, clarifying misconceptions about its stance on carbon taxation and emphasizing the benefits of the Green Fuel Incentive (GFI) regime. In his words, “Shipping does not mean only the ship owners. Shipping is a national industry, which serves the entire nation.”
The seminar provided a comprehensive analysis of MEPC 83’s landmark decisions, including the implementation of mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) pricing mechanisms and a global fuel standard targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. Key sessions explored India’s strategic shift in regulatory frameworks, the technical intricacies of EEDI Phase 3, and the implications of GHG Fuel Intensity metrics. Experts like Mr. Sateesh Kamat detailed India’s journey toward decarbonization, emphasizing opportunities for fleet modernization, green fuel technologies, and the establishment of bunkering hubs.
Panel discussions offered practical insights into compliance strategies, with shipowners advocating for fleet modernization and alternative fuel adoption. Discussions also addressed the broader implications of regulatory measures, such as the potential for revenue redistribution to support innovation and infrastructure in green fuels. The seminar highlighted the collaborative efforts required to overcome challenges, including discrepancies in global fuel availability and the need for detailed implementation guidelines.
In addition to GHG measures, the seminar covered other critical topics, such as ballast water management, marine plastic pollution, and underwater radiated noise (URN) mitigation. Mr. Devrup Kabi provided insights into the updated BWMS Codes and crew training requirements, while Mr. Gopi Krishna emphasized India’s efforts in addressing marine plastic litter and noise pollution. The session on the Hong Kong Convention underscored India’s prominence in ship recycling, with its 115 compliant yards accounting for 32% of the global market.
The seminar concluded with Mr. Vikrant Rai summarizing the key discussions and insights from the event, highlighting India’s strategic role at MEPC 83 and its advocacy for developing nations in the IMO Net Zero Fund. A vote of thanks by Mr. Rajesh Kasargod, Hon. Treasurer of IMEI Mumbai, recognized the collaborative spirit of the attendees.
This seminar reaffirmed India’s proactive stance in the global maritime arena, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable growth while navigating the challenges of regulatory transitions. By fostering dialogue, innovation, and capacity building, the event set the stage for India to emerge as a leader in green shipping and environmental stewardship.
Marex Media