Pratik Bijlani
On 8th September, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), in collaboration with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and the Institute of Marine Engineers India (IMEI), hosted a landmark interactive workshop on India’s engagement with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Held at the IRS headquarters in Mumbai, the event carried the theme India at the IMO: Policy, Partnership and Progress and brought together government leaders, industry stalwarts, and maritime professionals to deliberate on India’s evolving role in global maritime governance.
The proceedings were inaugurated in the presence of eminent dignitaries including Chief Guest Mr Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman of IRS; Mr Shyam Jagannathan IAS, Director General of Shipping; Capt SI Abul Kalam Azad, Nautical Advisor (I/c), DG Shipping; Mr Sushil Mansing Khopde, Additional Director General of Shipping; Mr PK Mishra, Managing Director of IRS and Mr Rajeev Nayyer, President of IMEI. Mr David Birwadkar, Chairman of IMEI, Mumbai Branch, conducted the event with grace and precision in his role as Master of Ceremonies. Mr Birwadkar also delivered the opening address and set the tone by elaborating the “Objectives of the Workshop”.
The workshop moved beyond ceremonial discourse, serving as a platform for action-oriented dialogue on India’s transition from a follower of maritime regulations to an active rule maker at the IMO. Discussions spanned the spectrum of contemporary challenges, from decarbonization and climate transition to maritime safety, digitalization, autonomous shipping, and seafarer welfare. This reflected India’s determination to bring its growing maritime capacity and expertise to the forefront of global rule-making.
A key highlight was a presentation by Mr Aniruddha Chaki, Dy. Chief Surveyor, DG Shipping, who outlined how India is institutionalizing its engagement through NAVIC (Neel Arth Vision Implementation Cells), a network of 25 thematic cells set up under Maritime Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Focusing on NAVIC Cell 24, which deals with international cooperation and IMO matters, Shri Chaki detailed initiatives such as India’s approval for a permanent technical representative at the IMO and the country’s bid for re-election to the IMO Council (Category B). Future ambitions include Indian chairs at the World Maritime University, placement of specialists within the IMO, and the creation of a Shadow Committee Portal to preserve institutional knowledge. As Mr Chaki emphasized, “Broader participation in shadow committees is vital to infuse fresh ideas and ensure India’s sustained leadership at the IMO.”
The first panel on the Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) spotlighted India’s proactive role in shaping decarbonization policies. Speakers highlighted the country’s compromise proposals bridging divides on carbon measures, as well as its advocacy for renewable fuel adoption, in line with national green energy goals. The second half of the discussion delved into technical regulations on emissions, sewage, ballast water, and pollution prevention, where India’s leadership was recognized in driving workable, seafarer-friendly frameworks.
The second panel, centered on the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), highlighted India’s contributions to maritime security, cyber resilience, and the development of safety frameworks for emerging technologies. Particular emphasis was placed on India’s role in shaping the MASS (Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships) Code, with adoption expected in 2026 and mandatory implementation by 2032. Discussions underscored that autonomous shipping would coexist with onboard crews, requiring new STCW training frameworks. On cybersecurity, speakers noted India’s consistent inputs toward shaping global guidelines. Capt. Azad summarized the momentum aptly, remarking, “India must not only participate but lead in setting the standards for safety and innovation at sea.”
The day also featured a presentation by Mr Ravindra of Indian Ports Association (IPA) on India Maritime Week 2025. He showcased the nation’s strengths, including its 62 shipyards, 12 major and 200 non-major ports, 3.2 lakh seafarers, and global leadership in ship recycling, while outlining bold ambitions to quadruple port capacity and rise into the world’s top five shipbuilders. The upcoming India Maritime Week, from October 27 to 31, promises to attract over 100,000 delegates from 100 countries and highlight major investment opportunities.
Mr Birwadkar summed up the deliberations during the workshop, the vote of thanks was delivered by Mr Santosh Patil of IRS. As the workshop concluded with tea and networking, the message was clear: India is ready to transition from being a rule taker to a rule maker at the IMO, shaping the maritime agenda of the future with confidence, vision, and collaboration.
Marex Media