Dr Radhika Vakharia –
On 29th October, the Denmark Country Session at India Maritime Week underscored the deepening maritime partnership between India and Denmark, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in the global maritime industry. As both nations work toward greener oceans and smarter shipping, the session highlighted how their cooperation is helping to shape the future of maritime operations under the shared visions of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Denmark, one of the world’s oldest and most advanced maritime nations, brings a legacy of excellence in shipping, digitalization, and green technologies. India, emerging as a future global maritime powerhouse, is making rapid progress through strategic investments in shipbuilding, port development, and sustainable fuels. Together, the two countries have established the Indo-Danish Centre of Excellence in Green Shipping (CoE) —a government-to-government collaboration dedicated to driving efficiency and sustainability across the sector.
The session opened with remarks by HE Ambassador Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, who emphasized the shared commitment of both nations to creating a greener and more efficient maritime future. He highlighted Denmark’s enthusiasm for partnering with India in developing technologies and frameworks that align with global environmental goals while enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.
This was followed by a keynote address by Director General Brian Adrian Wessel of the Danish Maritime Authority, who discussed Denmark’s leadership in maritime digitalization and sustainability. He stressed that collaboration between governments and industries is vital for building resilient, future-ready shipping systems that meet the twin goals of economic growth and environmental responsibility.
The Guest of Honor, Director General of Shipping Mr Shyam Jagannathan, spoke about India’s growing maritime ambitions. He outlined India’s policy focus on decarbonization, innovation, and the expansion of shipbuilding capacities, reinforcing that partnerships like the Indo-Danish CoE are critical to achieving these goals.
A High-Level Maritime Dialogue followed, focusing on “Improving Operations and Key Initiatives in India.” Moderated by Mr Wessel, this segment featured insights from Christopher Cook, Managing Director of Maersk (India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka), and Mr Paras Pal, Head of Business Development & Marketing at L&T Shipbuilding. The discussion centered on how digitalization, logistics optimization, and infrastructural upgrades are transforming India’s maritime landscape.
The next panel, “Enhancing Efficiency in the Maritime Industry,” explored strategies to advance operational excellence. Industry leaders such as Captain Amit Anshu (ZeroNorth), Merwyn Lopes (Eltronic FuelTech), Aravind Rajan (Hempel India), and Peter Castberg Knudsen (Powercon) discussed how digital tools, data-driven insights, and innovative coatings and fuel systems are driving sustainable growth.
In the final segment, “Innovative and Safe Solutions in Shipping,” experts including Mr Anders Olsen (Vibratec Denmark), Mr Hrishikesh Chandraghatgi (Vibratec India), Anders Viborg Kristensen (DBI), Jonas Søberg Erlandsen (Bawat), and Cdr M Asif Makandar (Terma India) showcased advancements in ship safety, vibration control, ballast water treatment, and defense technologies that enhance maritime resilience and environmental compliance.
The session concluded with closing remarks by Ambassador Kristensen, who reiterated Denmark’s commitment to working alongside India in advancing maritime innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
Together, India and Denmark are charting a course toward a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient maritime future—one that will not only benefit their own economies but also contribute to the global transition toward greener oceans.
Marex Media