Pratik Bijlani –
On May 7, the “Mooring Matters” seminar took centre stage at ITC Maratha, Mumbai, drawing maritime professionals to discuss critical advancements in mooring safety. Jointly organized by Lankhorst Ropes, Avient Corporation, Broadside Marine, and SeaLogger, the event explored the future of mooring operations, focusing on compliance, risk mitigation, and technological innovation. The event was attended by personnel from various backgrounds of the industry like, Capt Shravan Kumar, MD and CEO of Peninsular Maritime; Mr J Gopal Rao, Founder and MD of Broadside Marine; Capt JS Rajesh Kujur, Pilot (Marine Department) at Mumbai Port Trust; Capt Ranjan K Mishra, Additional General Manager (Operations) at Dockendale; Capt. Amar Singh, General Manager (Operations – Vetting) Tanker Division at The Great Eastern Shipping ; Capt. Amandeep S. Bhalla, Marine Head (India) at d’Amico Ship Ishima India and other notable figures.
The seminar began with a keynote address by Capt. Ankur Dang, AGM (Tanker Operations) at The Great Eastern Shipping Company Limited. Capt Dang remarked, “Mooring has moved from being just an operation to becoming a safety-critical, audit-heavy, and high-risk activity.” He emphasized the evolving focus on standards like MEG4, while highlighting challenges in its real-world application. Identifying gaps in operational practices, Capt. Dang proposed solutions such as vessel-specific reporting systems, seafarer involvement in rope selection, and training tools like VR libraries. His call to action was clear: “Let’s start treating mooring ropes the way we treat navigation and engines—as systems that evolve with training, feedback, and real-world data.”
Following the keynote, Mr Mohamed Dawoud, Global Mooring Manager at Lankhorst Ropes, showcased the company’s legacy of innovation and its commitment to MEG4 compliance. Highlighting their pioneering work in High-Modulus Polyethylene (HMPE) ropes, particularly with Dyneema SK-78 fibres, he detailed Lankhorst’s advancements in fatigue resistance and sustainability. Mr. Dawoud emphasized the need for rigorous testing and innovation, reflecting the company’s adherence to the highest safety standards.
Adding to the discourse, Mr. Jorn Boesten, Global Segment Manager from Avient, delved into the evolution of Dyneema fibers and their significance in modern mooring. He introduced the “4Ts”—Time, Tension, Temperature, and Type of HMPE—as critical factors influencing rope performance. His insights reinforced the importance of addressing fatigue damage to ensure the longevity and reliability of mooring systems.
Capt. Ritesh Kumar, Founder and CEO of Broadside Marine, delivered a thought-provoking speech on the complexities of MEG4 and the challenges of implementation. “MEG4 is de facto the bible of mooring. But it’s like reading a sacred text without a translator,” he remarked, illustrating the practical hurdles faced by vessel operators. Critiquing existing regulations, he added, “Remember, MEG4 is a 360-page document, and if you start reading line by line, I don’t think there will be any existing vessel which can comply with MEG4 100%.” Capt. Kumar emphasized the need for a risk-based approach, highlighting grey areas in inspections and urging for innovation in rope technology and material development.
The event concluded with a presentation by Capt. Sameer Bhombal on “ALLFAST – The Digital Mooring Station,” a collaborative initiative by SeaLogger and Broadside Marine. Capt. Bhombal demonstrated how this platform simplifies compliance, reduces crew workload, and enhances safety with digital tools such as real-time dashboards, automated alerts, and inventory management.
The seminar ended with a felicitation of speakers, followed by networking over drinks and dinner. Anchored by insightful discussions and innovative solutions, the “Mooring Matters” seminar reinforced the maritime industry’s commitment to safety, innovation, and collaboration in advancing mooring operations.
Marex Media