Pratik Bijlani – India’s maritime ambitions took centre stage as The Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI) hosted Maritime Potpourri 2026 on 4 July at Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC, Mumbai. Bringing together senior maritime professionals, policymakers, industry leaders, academicians and seafarers, the seminar created a vibrant forum to examine the opportunities and challenges shaping the nation’s maritime future under the theme Rising Maritime India.
The day was structured around two technical presentations and a high-level panel discussion, encouraging meaningful dialogue on maritime infrastructure, shipbuilding, technological innovation, sustainability and the development of a future-ready maritime workforce. Reflecting CMMI’s long-standing commitment to professional excellence and knowledge sharing, the programme fostered collaboration between government, industry and academia at a time when India’s maritime sector is undergoing unprecedented transformation.
Welcoming delegates, Capt MP Bhasin, Master Chairman of CMMI, described India as standing at the threshold of a new maritime era driven by Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. While highlighting opportunities in port modernisation, shipbuilding, digitalisation and sustainability, he also acknowledged challenges arising from geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, environmental regulations and cybersecurity. Reaffirming the organisation’s role in nurturing leadership and professional development, he remarked, “India’s maritime future depends on our collective commitment to innovation, sustainability and professional excellence. Together, we must support Maritime India Vision 2030 by strengthening skills, leadership and collaboration across every segment of the maritime industry.”
Delivering the Chief Guest’s address, Mr Sushil Mansing Khopde, IPS, Additional Director General of Shipping, outlined the Government of India’s vision of positioning the maritime sector as a major engine of economic growth. He highlighted ongoing initiatives encompassing shipbuilding, ship recycling, coastal shipping, digital governance and seafarer welfare, while also referring to welfare programmes such as Sagar Mein Samman, Sagar Mein Yog and the PRANAAM Seafarer Assistance & Facilitation Counter. Emphasising the government’s long-term strategy, he said, “The Government’s vision is to transform India’s maritime sector through shipbuilding, green shipping, digital governance and enhanced seafarer welfare, ensuring sustainable growth and greater global competitiveness for decades to come.”
The first technical presentation saw Capt Unmesh Abhyankar, CEO of Adani Dredging, explain how India’s port sector has evolved into a globally competitive ecosystem, with private ports now handling more than half of the country’s cargo. He highlighted the importance of efficient infrastructure, multimodal connectivity, automation and customer-centric operations, noting that policy reforms and strategic investments have transformed Indian ports into modern logistics hubs capable of supporting future trade growth.
The focus then shifted to shipbuilding, where Mr Rajeev Nayyer, Advisor at Swan Defense and Heavy Industries, outlined the industry’s strong global outlook. Pointing to record global order books, fleet renewal, decarbonisation and geopolitical realignments, he observed that India has a significant opportunity to emerge as a trusted alternative in global shipbuilding. He highlighted government support through Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, policy reforms and infrastructure investments, while stressing that developing skilled manpower remains the industry’s most critical requirement.
The concluding panel discussion, Training the Seafarer of the Future, moderated by Capt. Pankaj Kumar, explored how maritime education must evolve to meet the demands of green shipping, automation and digital transformation. Mr Nebu Oommen highlighted government-led skill development initiatives and emphasised that AI would complement rather than replace practical training. Capt Shailesh Bhambani urged seafarers to preserve critical thinking while embracing AI responsibly. Mr Sandeep Kumar stressed stronger collaboration between academia, industry and government, alongside specialised training for alternative fuels. Capt Gaurav Bajaj showcased the potential of AI, virtual reality and digital twins to personalise maritime training, while Capt Sandeep Dhaul reminded delegates that practical experience, mentorship and hands-on competence would remain indispensable despite advances in autonomous shipping.
The programme concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks delivered by Capt. Amandeep Bhalla, followed by lunch for the delegates. More than a seminar, Maritime Potpourri 2026 reflected a shared conviction that India’s rise as a leading maritime nation will depend not only on modern ports, larger fleets and new technologies, but equally on collaboration, continuous learning and the development of skilled professionals prepared to navigate an increasingly dynamic global maritime landscape.
Marex Media