Pratik Bijlani – On 27 February, the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) (IMEI) Mumbai Branch, along with its Navi Mumbai and Gujarat Chapters, hosted its Annual Meet & Technical Seminar at the MCA Club Mumbai. The event brought together marine engineering professionals, regulators, and industry leaders for an afternoon of technical deliberations followed by an evening of fellowship and celebration, underscoring IMEI’s continued commitment to professional growth and industry dialogue.
Welcoming members, dignitaries, and sponsors, Mr Sanjeev Mehra, Chairman of IMEI Mumbai Branch, expressed gratitude for the strong participation and highlighted the upcoming INMARCO 2026 conference in October, encouraging members to actively engage in the quadrennial maritime gathering organized in collaboration with the Directorate General of Shipping.
Addressing the seminar, Mr Pradeep Sudhakar K, Chief Ship Surveyor & Joint Director General (Tech.) at the Directorate General of Shipping, described the present moment as transformative for Indian shipping. “India’s maritime sector stands at a decisive inflection point — our goal is compliance without complexity, where modern legislation, digitalization, and industry partnership together create a safer, simpler, and globally competitive maritime ecosystem.” He outlined the passage of five new maritime legislations aimed at harmonizing regulations, strengthening safety and environmental standards, and simplifying compliance through digital reforms.
Expanding on this theme, Mr Ash Mohomad, Deputy Director General, detailed the structural overhaul introduced through the new maritime Acts passed in 2025. “The five new maritime Acts mark a decisive shift from legacy regulations to a modern, enabling framework—strengthening compliance with international conventions, promoting ease of doing business, and positioning India as a self-reliant and globally competitive maritime nation.” He noted reforms such as renaming DG Shipping to DG Maritime Administration, expanding ship ownership eligibility, easing coastal norms, enhancing compliance with MLC and MARPOL, decriminalizing minor offences, and enabling digital governance.
Technical presentations covered ship recycling, shipbuilding revival strategies, fuel efficiency technologies, and advanced digital performance monitoring. Mr Gopikrishna Chockalingam explained India’s Ship Recycling Credit Note mechanism under the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme 2.0, promoting responsible recycling and fleet renewal. Shri Ankur Anal highlighted the government’s four-pillar strategy to re-enter the global top 10 shipbuilding nations through financial assistance, development funds, policy reforms, and digital integration. Ms. Ritu Chaudhri of Enmarol Petroleum India discussed fuel additives as Energy Saving Devices supporting compliance with CII, EU ETS, and IMO targets. StormGeo representatives presented advanced weather intelligence and performance advisory solutions enabling fuel optimization, emissions reduction, and regulatory compliance through validated data analytics.
A panel discussion moderated by Ankeet Shetty examined “Compliance Without Complexity: How Smart Performance Monitoring Is Changing Shipping Industry.” Panellists emphasized validated data, digital integration, automation, and cross-functional collaboration to bridge compliance and operational performance while ensuring measurable returns on investment.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Omkarnath & Chunilal Wazir Award to Mr Naresh Nanda, conferred by Shri Omkarnath Wazir himself. A distinguished marine engineer, educator, and author of ten technical textbooks, Mr Nanda has influenced generations of seafarers through his long association with LBS College of Maritime Studies & Research, and other premier institutions. In his remarks, he stated, “Maritime education is not merely about passing on knowledge, but about bridging theory with the realities of sea life, fostering a culture of safety and excellence, and continuously striving to elevate standards for the generations that follow.”
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Sunayan Sanatani, followed by an evening of dinner, fellowship, live music, and interactive engagement—reflecting the strong professional and social bonds within India’s marine engineering fraternity.
Marex Media