On 20th June, the maritime fraternity in Chandigarh came together at Hotel Chandigarh Beckons to mark the International Day of the Seafarer, under the IMO theme “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risks.” Sponsored by Equitas Small Finance Bank Ltd. and Ocean One Ship Management Chandigarh, the seminar drew 50 industry professionals for a day of solemn reflection and forward‑looking dialogue.
The event opened with a minute of silence led by Capt Amarjit Thakur, Chairman of CMMI‑Chandigarh, in memory of three seafarers who lost their lives in the Strait of Hormuz. The tribute underscored the human cost of geopolitical conflicts and the resilience of those who keep global supply chains moving.
Human Element: Supporting Families
Er Ajit Singh, Vice President of MNOA, delivered an emotional keynote highlighting the hardships faced by seafarers’ families. He urged the industry to establish collective mechanisms to support dependents of those who perish at sea, stressing that the sacrifices behind stocked supermarket shelves often go unseen.
Maritime Dispute Resolution: Shifting Paradigms
Veteran consultant Er Jagmeet Makkar emphasized the growing role of mediation in maritime disputes, citing BIMCO’s new Arb‑Med‑Arb clauses and Hong Kong’s institutional leadership. He argued that mediation is not a sign of weakness but of commercial wisdom, offering speed, cost‑efficiency, and relationship preservation. His session drew high engagement, reflecting industry appetite for reform.
Crisis Response Framework
Capt Anupam Sharma, Marine Superintendent at GearBulk, mapped out a Unified Crisis Response architecture for war‑risk zones. He stressed collaboration across insurers, regulators, classification societies, and ship managers, insisting that crew safety must be embedded into the structural design of global trade.
Decarbonization & Regulatory Horizons
Er Rajat Bishnoi, Director at Normec Verifavia, presented a data‑driven analysis of shipping’s ecological footprint. With the IMO targeting 40% carbon intensity reduction by 2030 and net‑zero emissions by 2050, he outlined compliance frameworks including the IMO DCS & CII and the EU’s Fit for 55 packages. His session highlighted the urgency of adopting alternative fuels and carbon trading mechanisms.
The seminar concluded with a felicitation ceremony for speakers and sponsors, followed by a vote of thanks from Er Iqbal Singh, Chairman of IMEI‑Chandigarh. Delegates continued discussions over a networking lunch, reinforcing the day’s key takeaways: solidarity, innovation, and sustainability in maritime practice.
Marex Media