Pratik Bijlani –
The future of the maritime industry may be shaped by technology, sustainability and changing trade patterns, but at the heart of its transformation lies one critical factor—people. This message resonated throughout the third edition of the Ganpat University Maritime Skill Conclave 2026, held on 6th June at The Leela, Mumbai, where more than 250 maritime leaders, policymakers, shipowners, academicians, logistics professionals and students gathered to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry’s future.
Organised under the theme “5Ts Shaping the Future of Maritime – Talent, Technology, Transition, Trade and Transformation,” the conclave served as a platform for thought leadership, industry-academia collaboration and meaningful dialogue on building a future-ready maritime ecosystem.
The conclave commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Mahendra Sharma, Hon. Group Pro Chancellor and Joint President of Ganpat University, who underlined the importance of skill development and industry-academia partnerships in supporting India’s maritime ambitions under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Mr. Amit Kamat, Chairman of FFFAI, reinforced the need for stronger collaboration between industry, government and educational institutions, while Mr. P.K. Mishra, Managing Director of IRClass, presented the maritime industry’s future through the framework of decarbonisation, digitalisation, disruption and collaboration.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Shyam Jagannathan, Honourable Director General of Shipping, highlighted India’s demographic dividend and growing role in the global maritime sector. Emphasising the importance of investing in human capital, he stated, “India’s greatest maritime strength is not merely its ports, ships or technology—it is its people. Our demographic dividend, combined with digital innovation, skill development and sustainable maritime practices, will power India’s rise as a global maritime leader. The future belongs to nations that invest in talent, embrace transformation and build resilient, future-ready ecosystems for generations to come.”
Echoing this sentiment in his Presidential Address, Dr. Ganpat I. Patel, Hon. President and Patron-in-Chief of Ganpat University, remarked, “The future of India will be shaped not merely by infrastructure or technology, but by talent, character and humanity. At Ganpat University, our mission is to create skilled professionals who innovate with purpose, serve society with dignity, and contribute to building a stronger, sustainable and globally respected India.”
Adding further perspective, Ms. H.K. Joshi, former CMD of Shipping Corporation of India, emphasized that transformation is ultimately driven by people and leadership rather than technology alone. H.E. Ms. Monica Nagelgaard, Consul General of Norway in Mumbai, highlighted the growing cooperation between India and Norway in sustainable shipping, innovation and maritime skills development.
One of the key highlights of the conclave was the panel discussion titled “Green Seas Ahead: Decarbonizing Shipping in a Carbon-Constrained World.” Mr. Devesh Gautam spoke about adaptability and leadership as essential qualities for maritime professionals navigating change, while Ms. Anshika Vaish explored the impact of carbon regulations and emissions pricing on global trade. Mr. Sanjay Kelkar discussed the industry’s preparedness for alternative fuels and stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders as shipping advances towards decarbonisation.
The second panel discussion, “The Maritime Skills Imperative: Building the Workforce for 2030 and Beyond.” focused on preparing seafarers for the next generation of vessels and technologies. Capt. Arvind Shankar shared operational insights from the world’s first methanol-enabled vessel, The Ane Maersk, and emphasized the need for alternative fuel training. Capt. Mohan V. Naik highlighted continuous upskilling to support technologically advanced fleets, while Mr. Maneesh Pradhan called for deeper integration between industry, academia and regulators to ensure maritime education evolves alongside emerging technologies.
The event also witnessed the launch of Blueverse 3.0, the unveiling of the book Samudra Shakti, the introduction of Ganpat University’s BBA Maritime Management Programme, and the signing of multiple MoUs aimed at strengthening maritime education, research, training and industry engagement. Presentations by Dr. Saurabh Dave on the Goa Institute of Maritime Excellence, Dr. Priyanka Pathak on the GUNI Guru learning platform, and Dr. Achyut Trivedi on additive manufacturing further showcased the university’s commitment to innovation and future-focused maritime education.
As the conclave concluded, it reinforced a shared understanding among delegates that while the maritime industry continues to evolve through technology, sustainability and global trade shifts, its long-term success will depend on developing skilled, adaptable and visionary professionals capable of leading the sector into the future.
Marex Media