Padmesh Prabhune –
The board of Indian Maritime Centre (IMC) has elected Devki Nandan as Chairman and Shankar Shinde as Vice Chairman during its first meeting held on Monday, October 14, 2024.
Capt. Sankalp Shukla will serve as Secretary, while Capt. Vikas Vij shall be the Treasurer for the IMC.
R. Ravi Kumar, Secretary General of the Indian Private Ports and Terminals Association (IPPTA), has been appointed as the acting CEO of the Indian Maritime Centre.
The board also approved the membership applications of the Association of Container Train Operators (ACTO) and the Indian Register of Shipping (IR Class) as members of the IMC.
Incorporated recently on September 27, 2024 with its headquarters in Powai, Mumbai, the Indian Maritime Centre (IMC), shall play a pivotal role with a unified approach for further developing the robust Indian maritime sector.
The IMC is expected to play a crucial role in shaping a unified maritime policy across various subsectors, focusing on creating an integrated Indian maritime ecosystem.
It will also represent the Indian maritime sector at international forums such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), build global relationships, enhance visibility, and establish a strong brand for the Indian maritime industry.
Additionally, the IMC aims to act as a think tank for the Indian maritime sector.
The board also acknowledged Bhushan Kumar, former Joint Secretary (Sagar Mala) in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, for his pivotal role in the formation of the IMC.
After assuming the role of IMC Chairman, Devki Nandan said, “It is a privilege and honour for me to serve as the Chairman of IMC. We are committed to promoting, developing, and facilitating both domestic and international maritime trade, fostering economic growth in India and globally. The coming years are promising for the Indian maritime sector, with significant investments underway in cutting-edge technology, capacity building, and adopting international best practices.”
He added, “We pledge our full support to the government in developing and implementing maritime policies aligned with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kal Vision 2047, aiming to position India as a global growth engine. As an industry, we have a great responsibility to shape the future meaningfully and effectively. This apex body will help the government and all subsectors adopt uniform policies, making this sector a global role model.”
The IMC has extended invitations to all trade associations, major ports, coastal state governments, state maritime boards, organizations, companies, institutions, maritime professionals, and other stakeholders directly or indirectly involved in maritime trade, to join the Centre in pursuit of its objectives through collective efforts.
Marex Media
The IMC Board comprises of:
- Devki Nandan, President, IPPTA
- Shankar Shinde, Immediate Past Chairman, Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI)
- Capt. Sankalp Shukla, Chairman, Foreign Owners Representatives and Ship Managers Association (FOSMA)
- Capt. Vikas Vij, President, ICC Shipping Association (ICCSA)
- Arjun Ashok Chowgule, President, The Shipyards Association of India (SAI)
- Maneesh Pradhan, Chairman, Maritime Association of Shipowners, Ship Managers and Agents (MASSA)
- Rahul Modi, President, Coastal Container Transporters Association (CCTA)