The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) and the Institute of Marine Engineers (IMEI) collaborated on October 28 to host a technical seminar discussing the key takeaways from the 82nd session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82). At the IRS Auditorium in Powai, Mumbai, industry experts gathered to explore the latest developments in maritime environmental protection, with a special focus on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This seminar provided a valuable platform for experts to share insights and ideas on how to tackle the pressing issue of climate change in the shipping industry.
Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, Government of India, graced the event as the esteemed Chief Guest. He was joined by notable dignitaries, including Mr Ajithkumar Sukumaran, Chief Surveyor-cum-Additional Director General of DG Shipping, and Mr PK Mishra, Managing Director of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), who served as the Guest of Honour.
Mr David Birwadkar, Chairman of IMEI’s Mumbai Branch, kicked off the event with a heartfelt welcome, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the attendees in shaping a sustainable maritime future. “We’re united by a common goal: to create a sustainable future for maritime operations and safeguard the precious ecosystems that support life on our planet,” he emphasized. His inspiring words paved the way for a day of exploring innovative eco-friendly solutions and forging global industry collaborations.
Mr Jagannathan stressed the urgency of transforming India’s maritime administration to prioritize environmental sustainability. Outlining the Directorate’s visionary approach, he stated, “We envision a shift from a traditional statutory role to a proactive Director General Maritime Administration, leading the world in sustainable and secure maritime governance.” He also acknowledged the complex challenges facing the industry, including geopolitical tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and broader environmental pressures impacting global shipping routes.
The 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC-82) yielded significant discussions on key outcomes, particularly economic mechanisms to fund emissions reduction and the proposed carbon levy. This levy aims to encourage the maritime sector’s transition to lower-emission fuels, promoting sustainability. Although consensus on the levy remains elusive, talks emphasized the importance of transparent and equitable revenue distribution. Special consideration was given to the needs of vulnerable nations, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), ensuring their concerns are addressed in the transition to a more environmentally conscious maritime industry.
Experts discussed key regulatory updates, including the upcoming enforcement of stringent emission controls in the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea Emission Control Areas (ECAs) from 2026. These controls will tightly regulate NOx, SOx, and particulate matter emissions. Additionally, the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention underwent significant refinement, aiming to address operational gaps and bolster compliance measures safeguarding marine ecosystems. The revisions focus on enhancing maintenance standards, streamlining biological compliance testing, and optimizing operational performance in diverse water conditions.
Mr. Shobhit Kapoor’s presentation spotlighted the IMO’s revised decarbonization strategy, targeting zero carbon emissions by 2050 with intermediate benchmarks in 2030 and 2040. This shift emphasizes the sector’s urgent need to transition to sustainable fuels and practices.
Prominent industry experts, including Shri Rajeev Nayyer (IMEI President) and Shri Mudit Mehrotra (The Great Eastern Shipping), participated in panel discussions on mid-term GHG reduction measures. They explored the complexities of technical and economic solutions, highlighting India’s advocacy for a balanced approach that integrates carbon levies and innovation to meet global standards while protecting economic interests.
The seminar concluded on a high note with a dynamic Q&A session, where attendees delved into the prospects of technological innovation and regulatory reforms. This engaging discussion reinforced the industry’s united commitment to sustainable development, a theme eloquently captured in Mr. Birwadkar’s closing remarks: “Though our journey is complex, the outcomes of MEPC 82 mark significant strides toward our environmental objectives.”
Marex Media