Pratik Bijlani –
On 25th September, the Directorate General of Shipping, in collaboration with the National Maritime Day Celebrations (Central) Committee, celebrated World Maritime Day 2025 at the Maritime Training Institute (MTI), Mumbai. The event convened maritime leaders, regulators, training institutes, and seafarers to reflect on the International Maritime Organization’s theme for the year, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” while highlighting India’s growing contribution to global shipping and commitment to sustainable maritime development. The celebration emphasized the importance of safety at sea, fostering skilled manpower, and embracing responsible practices to meet future challenges.
The event began with a welcome address by Capt. Som Raj, Director (P&A) at SCI, followed by a video message from Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister, MoPSW, who outlined the government’s initiatives for seafarer welfare and India’s vision to become a global maritime power under the Sagarmala Programme, Maritime India Vision 2030, and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Mr Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble State Minister, MoPSW, emphasized maritime reforms, clean energy transition, modernization, job creation, and women’s participation in seafaring, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision for India’s maritime advancement.
A video message from IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez highlighted the ocean’s role in sustaining life, regulating climate, feeding communities, and enabling 80% of global trade. He warned of threats such as pollution, warming, acidification, and overfishing, stressing that these human-driven issues are reversible with collective action and sustainable practices.
Mr. Ash Mohomad, Deputy Director General at DG Shipping, delivered a presentation on the transition from the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 to the newly enacted Merchant Shipping Act of 2025. He explained that the new Act streamlines procedures, reduces sections from nearly 580 to 325, incorporates key IMO and ILO conventions, simplifies compliance, enhances seafarer welfare, and strengthens emergency response frameworks. The Act also introduces institutional reforms such as the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, promoting transparency and investor confidence, and aligning with India’s Maritime Vision 2047.
Dr. Sanjay Bhavnani, Director & CEO of MMS Maritime India, presented on the World Maritime Day theme, urging the industry to embrace sustainability over conventional practices. He stressed operational efficiency, alternative fuels, digitalization, and collaborative partnerships to achieve decarbonization targets. Dr. Bhavnani said, “One choice is to continue with business as usual and watch our industry contribute to ocean deterioration; the other is to embrace ocean stewardship and chart a course towards sustainability.”
Mr. Gopikrishna C., Deputy Director General (Technical), addressed sustainable ship recycling under the Hong Kong Convention, noting India’s leadership in recycling 32% of the world’s tonnage and its contribution to the circular economy, green steel transition, and livelihoods for 1.65 lakh people. Dr. Sudhir Kohakade detailed the transition from DG Shipping to DGMA, modernizing maritime governance to include offshore units, emerging technologies, environmental oversight, and seafarer welfare, with field offices restructured for functional autonomy.
Mr Sushil Mansingh Khopde, Additional Director General of Shipping, highlighted the strategic importance of maritime trade, saying, “Safe, secure, and sustainable shipping is essential for India to maintain its maritime leadership.” He outlined initiatives for workforce inclusivity, mental well-being, and regulatory reforms aligned with international standards.
Mr Sameer Kumar Khare, Chairperson of the National Shipping Board and Chief Guest, underscored the global and human dimensions of maritime policy, linking historical achievements with modern opportunities. He remarked, “The oceans belong to no single nation; they are a shared responsibility of all humankind.” Mr Khare also highlighted initiatives including the Rs 70,000 crore Maritime Development Fund, Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy 2.0, green shipping corridors, and cruise tourism infrastructure, reinforcing that maritime growth must balance economic ambition, environmental stewardship, and human welfare.
The celebration concluded with cultural performances by MTI cadets, a felicitation of presenters and delegates, and a presentation of the anthology “The Sea Within,” marking a day of reflection, learning, and commitment to a sustainable maritime future for India.
Marex Media