Pratik Bijlani –
On 26th September, JSW Shipping & Logistics, in collaboration with Nautilus Shipping, hosted Naavik Manthan 2025 at Courtyard by Marriott, Andheri (East), Mumbai. The event provided an interactive platform for professionals across the shipping and logistics sectors to connect, exchange insights, and explore strategies for industry growth. With discussions ranging from seafarer welfare to sustainable practices, digital adoption, and skill development, the forum underscored the collaborative spirit driving India’s maritime advancement.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Narayan Rajan, Co-Founder and MD of Nautilus Shipping, who set the tone for an engaging day of discussions, knowledge-sharing, and networking. In his speech, Capt. Rakesh Singh, President of ICCSA, emphasized the critical role of seafarers as the backbone of global trade. He stated, “Through the new Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, the Government of India has identified seafarers as key workers — a lesson learned from the pandemic.” He outlined the challenges of India’s coastal shipping sector, urging a shift towards short-sea and hub-and-spoke models, enhanced training, and global coastal agreements to expand seafarer employment from 3.5 lakh to 10 lakh active personnel.
Capt. Upinder Pal Singh Baveja, Director – Marine Talent Acquisition at Nautilus Shipping, highlighted the company’s extensive experience in ship management, emphasizing family-inclusive welfare programs and global connectivity for seafarers. Capt. Ravindra Kumar Singh reinforced Nautilus’ operational support to JSW Shipping, detailing rigorous recruitment, vessel visits, and 24/7 connectivity to ensure crew welfare and career growth. Capt. Ravindra Kumar of JSW Shipping shared his career journey and highlighted operational achievements, including carrying nearly 30 million metric tons annually with 99.2% fleet availability, and a young expanding fleet with 14 MPC vessels and 9 more planned by 2026.
Mr. Narayan Rajan introduced the transformative potential of AI tools for seafarers, emphasizing efficiency, stress reduction, and operational support while cautioning against over-reliance. Mr. Vipul Srivastava and Mr. Jaipal Singh of JSW Shipping & Logistics detailed coastal shipping operations, safety, sustainability, and rigorous maintenance protocols to ensure fleet reliability. Mr. Tehmtan Patel elaborated on the critical role of dry docking for vessel safety and compliance, while Mr. Sopan Panchal outlined seafarer Medicare insurance and claim procedures.
Capt. Pranab Jha, Executive VP of JSW Steel, highlighted the company’s vision for digitization, AI adoption, green shipping, and crew welfare, while Mr. H.V. Ramesh, Chief Surveyor & Senior VP at IRClass, emphasized the integration of intelligent systems and sustainable solutions, noting, “Seafarers are not being replaced, the role is only being transformed.” Capt. Vivek Bhandarkar discussed India’s maritime growth prospects, stressing digitalization, automation, and coastal logistics, and urged collective responsibility: “We are moving towards India becoming a true maritime power, and each one of us has a role to play in sharing that force.”
Capt. Ravi Shikarwar highlighted the digitization of seafarer training and certification under DG Shipping, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and nationwide scalability. The event concluded with an award ceremony recognizing excellence, a vote of thanks by Mr. Sagar Deore, and felicitations for presenters and delegates, leaving participants with renewed motivation to advance India’s maritime sector through innovation, sustainability, and a seafarer-centric approach.
Marex Media