Pratik Bijlani –
The Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI) recently organised an interactive session titled “Geopolitics at Sea” at The Paradise by Tunga, Mumbai bringing together maritime professionals, seafarers, industry leaders, insurers and master mariners to discuss the growing influence of geopolitical developments on global shipping and trade. The seminar focused on how conflicts, sanctions, and shifting trade alignments are reshaping maritime operations, freight markets, supply chains and crew safety across the world’s most sensitive trade corridors.
The event highlighted ongoing challenges in regions such as the Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea, with discussions centred on vessel routing, marine insurance, sanctions compliance and operational risk management. The programme also underlined India’s increasing strategic importance in global shipping and the need for Indian maritime stakeholders to remain prepared for evolving geopolitical and regulatory uncertainties.
In his welcome address Capt MP Bhasin, Chairman of CMMI described the seminar as a timely initiative amid ongoing disruptions affecting international shipping. He highlighted CMMI’s active role in maritime policy engagement and its commitment to strengthening the maritime profession through industry dialogue and mentorship. Capt. Bhasin stated, “In times when geopolitics directly impacts global shipping, platforms for dialogue and knowledge-sharing become more important than ever. CMMI remains committed to strengthening the maritime profession through collaboration, policy engagement, and mentoring the next generation of seafarers, ensuring that young maritime professionals become active contributors to the industry’s future.”
In his keynote address, the Chief Guest Capt SI Abul Kalam Azad, Nautical Advisor-cum-Additional Director General of Shipping (Nautical), Directorate General of Shipping spoke about the unprecedented maritime crisis in the Gulf region and the hardships faced by seafarers amid prolonged disruptions and security threats. He highlighted the coordinated efforts of DG Shipping, the Indian Navy and the Ministry of External Affairs in ensuring crew safety, vessel movement and evacuation support. Capt Azad also emphasized the significance of the recently approved Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool in strengthening India’s maritime insurance capabilities. He remarked, “The ongoing maritime crisis has shown the resilience of Indian seafarers and the shipping industry under extraordinary pressure. Our foremost priority remains the safety, welfare and evacuation of seafarers, while ensuring uninterrupted trade. The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool marks a historic step towards strengthening India’s maritime security, insurance independence and crisis preparedness.”
The technical session featured presentations by representatives from NorthStandard. Capt Savraj Mehta, Chief Commercial Officer examined the implications of geopolitical tensions and the evolving landscape of marine insurance, while Mr Johnny Clapham, Underwriter explained the distinction between conventional P&I cover and dedicated war risk insurance during conflict situations. Mr Scott Oakes, P&I Claims Director discussed the complexities of handling war-risk claims involving missile strikes, drones and restricted access in active conflict zones.
The seminar concluded with an engaging panel discussion, where speakers addressed issues such as additional war risk premiums, evidence preservation following casualties, crew welfare and the importance of coordinated crisis management. The interactive exchanges between speakers and attendees reinforced the importance of preparedness, resilience and informed decision-making in today’s volatile maritime environment, while further establishing CMMI as an important platform for dialogue on contemporary challenges facing the global shipping industry.
Marex Media