On Tuesday, 21 July, maritime professionals—including seafarers, shipping executives, healthcare specialists, and technical experts—convened at Hotel Ramada by Wyndham, Jaipur to deliberate on digital transformation, safety, seafarers’ welfare, healthcare, and professional collaboration. The event was jointly supported by the Maritime Union of India (MUI), The Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI), The Institute of Marine Engineers (India) (IMEI), Dockendale Ship Management, and Fleet Management. At its core, the programme reflected a shared conviction: while Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping ship operations, maintenance, navigation, and safety, it can never supplant the experience, leadership, and judgment of professional seafarers.
Speaking on AI Transforming Shipping, Prashant Kuldeep emphasized how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping modern maritime operations—driving predictive maintenance, optimizing voyage planning, improving fuel efficiency, and strengthening safety standards. He highlighted the growing deployment of AI‑enabled drones to inspect hazardous or inaccessible areas onboard, a development that significantly reduces risks to crew members while enhancing inspection efficiency. “Artificial Intelligence will make shipping smarter, safer, and more efficient. But in emergencies, leadership, accountability, and final decision‑making will always remain with trained and experienced seafarers,” he affirmed.
Mr Kaushik Seal, President, IMEI, remarked that Jaipur is rapidly positioning itself as a significant maritime knowledge hub. An increasing number of retired and serving professionals are now choosing the city as a base for academic engagement, consultancy, technical discourse, and professional collaboration—strengthening its role as a centre for maritime learning and expertise.
Turning to healthcare, Dr Anamika Tomar stressed the critical importance of regular medical check‑ups, preventive care, and structured wellness programmes. She noted that safeguarding the health of seafarers is not merely a welfare measure but a fundamental prerequisite for safe, efficient, and resilient shipping operations.
Addressing the theme of collaboration, Capt (Dr) MP Bhasin, Chairman CMMI, emphasized that stronger partnerships among maritime institutions are vital to advancing leadership, mentoring the next generation of professionals, and reinforcing India’s maritime capabilities.
Capt Savio Ramos, General Secretary, MUI, underscored the importance of safeguarding the interests and welfare of Indian seafarers while promoting continuous professional development and deeper industry collaboration. He reiterated the need to prioritise seafarers’ welfare as a cornerstone of maritime progress. Capt Sureen Narang, Chairman, CMMI Jaipur Chapter, expressed confidence that such initiatives would inspire more young people to pursue careers at sea, while simultaneously creating valuable opportunities for networking, innovation, and lifelong learning within the maritime community.
The event culminated in a unified vision of building a technologically advanced, safe, and sustainable maritime industry through closer cooperation among professional organizations, academic institutions, healthcare specialists, technology providers, and shipping companies.
Delegates reiterated that while Artificial Intelligence will continue to transform shipping through automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent decision‑support systems, the enduring foundation of maritime excellence will rest on the competence, integrity, leadership, and professionalism of seafarers.
This collective resolve reaffirmed Jaipur’s emergence as a vibrant maritime knowledge hub and reinforced the industry’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the welfare of India’s seafaring community.
Marex Media