Pratik Bijlani –
On 4th September, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, marked its Platinum Jubilee with a grand celebration at the Bharat Ratnam-Mega Common Facilitation Centre, Mumbai. The landmark occasion brought together government leaders, industry stalwarts, academicians, international representatives, and maritime professionals to commemorate 75 years of shaping India’s maritime future.
The Platinum Jubilee Ceremony was graced by Mr Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, alongside senior dignitaries including Mr Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping; Capt. B.K. Tyagi, Chairman & Managing Director of Shipping Corporation of India; Mr Manoj Kumar, Director (Mails & BD), Postal Services and Shri Manoj Kumar, IRS, Chief Vigilance Officer, Directorate General of Shipping. Prominent industry leaders such as Capt MP Bhasin, Master Chairman of CMMI, Capt Philip Matthews, Director at SIMTF, Mr Rajeev Nayyer, President of IMEI, and Mr Milind Kandalgaonkar, General Secretary of NUSI, also joined the celebrations, along with former DGs of Shipping and several eminent personalities.
The celebrations began with the inauguration of the ‘75 Years of Sea and Service’ Maritime Exhibition, offering a glimpse into India’s maritime heritage through rare archives, visuals, and innovations that have shaped the nation’s shipping journey. Since its establishment in 1949, the DGS has evolved as the nation’s maritime regulator and policy leader, ensuring safety at sea, supporting seafarers, and guiding India’s global maritime engagement. Hon’ble Minister Mr Thakur described the anniversary as a proud milestone in India’s maritime history. He lauded the resilience of the Directorate in navigating crises such as oil spills, piracy, and global supply chain disruptions, while embracing technological change. “The Directorate General of Shipping has been the backbone of India’s maritime growth, supporting our seafarers, regulating the industry, and ensuring global standards. As we mark this Platinum Jubilee, our commitment is to further strengthen India’s role in global shipping, foster innovation, and create new opportunities for our youth in the maritime sector. Together, we will steer India towards becoming a world-class maritime hub,” he said.
Mr Jagannathan delivered a heartfelt speech honouring generations of officers, unions, and associations whose dedication built the institution’s legacy. He emphasized India’s maritime heritage, linking its 5,000-year-old trading history to its modern-day role as a global seafaring power, and outlined an ambitious roadmap for the future. “The Directorate General of Shipping is not merely celebrating 75 years of existence, but 75 years of service, resilience, and leadership built on India’s 5,000-year-old maritime heritage. From ensuring safe seas to embracing digitalization and green shipping, our journey has been one of constant adaptation to global challenges. As we transition towards a Directorate of Maritime Affairs, our mandate will expand to shipbuilding, inland navigation, offshore operations, and maritime sustainability. Guided by Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal 2047, we aim to double India’s share of the global seafaring pool, rise among the top five shipbuilding nations, and develop world-class maritime training.”
The evening featured the launch of a commemorative postal cover, customized My Stamp, and a coffee table book chronicling India’s maritime journey, as well as the screening of a documentary trailer showcasing the evolution of DGS since 1949. Former DGs were felicitated for their contributions, and the DG Shipping 75th Anniversary Awards honoured excellence in categories such as Women in Maritime, Green Shipping, Digital Transformation, and Lifetime Achievement, with Mr. Saifuddin Hajee receiving the top honour. In a boost to Goa’s maritime community, MV LRAJ Green, the state’s first privately built solar-electric hybrid catamaran, was recognized with the Sagarmitra Coastal Impact Award.
The Jubilee also saw the launch of The Sea Within, an anthology of reflections on maritime life, and cultural performances under the theme Echoes from the Sea, celebrating seafarers’ resilience and innovation. The evening concluded with a gala dinner, where dignitaries, retired officers, and maritime professionals reflected on the past and envisioned a brighter future. The Platinum Jubilee not only honoured 75 years of the Directorate’s legacy but also set the stage for India’s maritime ambitions in the decades to come.
Marex Media