Pratik Bijlani –
Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global maritime environment, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), in collaboration with the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs (IG P&I), brought together regulators, insurers, shipowners, seafarers and maritime professionals for a significant stakeholder workshop on Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Insurance at the Merchant Navy Club in Kochi on 19 June.
Organised by the Mercantile Marine Department (MMD), Kochi, the workshop formed part of the Memorandum of Understanding between DGS and the International Group of P&I Clubs, aimed at strengthening knowledge exchange, capacity building and cooperation in maritime liability and insurance.
Inaugurating the workshop, Mr Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, highlighted the rapid growth of India’s maritime sector and underscored the increasing importance of robust insurance mechanisms in supporting trade, energy security and maritime risk management. Drawing upon recent casualty incidents, he stressed the need for timely response mechanisms, adequate insurance coverage and effective compensation frameworks to safeguard maritime interests. He also outlined key policy initiatives, including the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, as important steps toward strengthening India’s maritime insurance ecosystem.
Capt Harinder Singh presented the Directorate’s role in casualty response and dissemination of safety lessons, detailing the functioning of the DG Communication Centre, inter-agency coordination mechanisms and recent learnings from incidents such as MSC ELSA 3 and WAN HAI 503. His presentation emphasized preparedness, coordination and continuous learning as essential elements of maritime safety.
A detailed overview of India’s maritime liability framework under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 was delivered by Capt Vikram Singh Manhas, who explained the role of P&I insurance in addressing third-party liabilities, pollution, wreck removal, cargo damage and collision claims. As he noted, “P&I insurance is the financial backbone of maritime liability regimes, ensuring that when accidents occur, affected parties receive compensation while shipowners meet their legal obligations under international conventions and national laws.”
Capt Anish Joseph further illustrated these principles through practical casualty scenarios, demonstrating how various international conventions and national legislation operate during maritime incidents. Emphasizing the importance of compensation and environmental accountability, he stated, “Maritime liability is ultimately about protecting people, communities and the environment. The polluter pays principle, supported by robust insurance and compensation mechanisms, ensures that affected stakeholders receive timely relief while maintaining confidence in maritime trade and safety.”
Seafarer welfare also featured prominently during the workshop, with Capt Nitin Mukesh highlighting India’s commitment to crew welfare through the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, mandatory financial security provisions and the support mechanisms available through the Seamen’s Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) and P&I Clubs.
Representing the International Group, Ms Danielle Datta explained the structure and functioning of mutual P&I Clubs, the International Group pooling arrangement, Blue Cards and certificates of insurance. Mr Alan Mackinnon, Chief Claims Officer of UK P&I and Chair of the IG Large Claims Committee, complemented the discussion with casualty case studies, including the response to the ASL Bauhinia fire in the Red Sea. Reflecting on the collaborative nature of casualty response, he remarked, “P&I Clubs and regulators ultimately stand on the same side. Our objective is to respond quickly, act responsibly and work collaboratively to achieve the safest and most effective outcome during a maritime casualty.”
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Capt Mahadev G Dhandhiya, reaffirming the importance of continued cooperation between regulators, insurers and industry stakeholders.
The deliberations in Kochi not only enhanced understanding of maritime liability and insurance frameworks but also reinforced a collective commitment towards strengthening maritime safety, environmental protection and India’s growing maritime risk management ecosystem.
Marex Media