Pratik Bijlani –
The Institution of Marine Engineers (India) (IMEI) Mumbai Branch brought the maritime engineering community together on 29 August for its 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Technical Seminar at Hotel Kohinoor Continental, Mumbai. Held alongside the Navi Mumbai and Gujarat Chapters, the gathering combined a review of the Branch’s achievements with a forward-looking discussion on sustainability, alternative fuels and advanced water-management technologies.
Addressing members, Mr Sanjeev V Mehra, Chairman, IME(I) Mumbai Branch, highlighted the Branch’s continued efforts in technical seminars, training programmes, mentorship, welfare and social responsibility initiatives. He also invited the maritime fraternity to participate in INMARCO 2026, scheduled to take place in Mumbai from 27 to 29 October. Honorary Secretary Mr Sunayan Sanatani presented the Annual Activities Report, noting a 17% increase in membership during the year.
Recognition remained an important part of the evening, with the 7th Mumbai Branch Meritorious Service Awards 2026 presented to Mr Karan Madhok and Mr Ramawatar Ladha for their contributions to the Institution. The inaugural Marine Engineer’s Excellence Award went to Mr Prashant Khadilkar, Chief Engineer of MV Aruna Ismail, for his commendable role in rescuing a disabled fishing vessel and helping save three survivors and their dog. The company associated with the vessel was also felicitated for supporting the rescue effort.
The technical discussions then turned to how marine engineering expertise can contribute far beyond the ship. Mr Turbashu Bhattacharya of Roserve Enviro Pvt. Ltd., speaking on “Zero Liquid Discharge – A Marine Engineer’s Mindset Applied Ashore,” drew a direct connection between onboard environmental systems and industrial wastewater management. He explained how reverse osmosis, oily water separators, sewage treatment plants, ballast water systems and other onboard practices can provide a foundation for onshore water-recycling strategies.
Highlighting Roserve’s waste-heat recovery-based green ZLD solutions and its work across more than 100 sites, Bhattacharya pointed to a Navi Mumbai project achieving around 94% effluent recycling for industrial reuse. “Marine engineers already work with zero-liquid-discharge principles onboard, and these practices can be effectively transferred ashore. By combining membrane treatment, evaporation, waste heat recovery and water recycling, industries can reduce consumption, recover resources, protect the marine environment and ecosystems.” he said.
The second presentation moved from water to fuel, as Mr. Manoj Chaudhari of UNNIC LNG Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. examined “LNG Bunkering: From Fuel Transfer to Environmental Responsibility.” He noted that while LNG bunkering is established in several international markets, India has yet to develop large-scale operations. He identified infrastructure, investment, training and coordination between ports, terminals, suppliers, vessels and surveyors as key requirements.
Mr Chaudhari suggested that truck-to-ship bunkering could provide a practical starting point, allowing India to build operational experience before moving towards ship-to-ship and terminal-to-ship models. His presentation also covered compatibility checks, risk assessment, inspections, controlled transfer procedures and specialised crew training. “India has the opportunity to establish LNG bunkering, but infrastructure, training, operational ownership and investment remain key challenges. Starting with truck-to-ship bunkering can build experience and demand, enabling India to develop a reliable, safe, scalable and efficient LNG bunkering ecosystem.” he said.
The final technical session, led by Mr DG Mahajan of Rochem Separation Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., explored “Seawater and High-Salinity Desalination Using Energy-Efficient Technologies.” Tracing Rochem’s evolution from marine desalination systems developed for merchant ships and the Indian Navy to wider industrial applications, Mahajan highlighted membrane technologies including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis and nanofiltration.
He also showcased compact desalination systems, brine concentration, non-metallic evaporators and air-to-water technologies designed for increasingly complex industrial water streams. “Desalination and water recycling are no longer limited to conventional applications. By combining advanced membrane technologies, zero-liquid-discharge systems and innovative treatment solutions, we can address increasingly saline and complex water streams while delivering efficient, sustainable and scalable solutions across industries.” Mr Mahajan said.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Sunayan Sanatani, followed by dinner and networking. More than an annual review, the evening demonstrated how the role of the marine engineer is expanding—from ensuring the safe and efficient operation of ships to contributing expertise to decarbonisation, water conservation, alternative fuels and sustainable industrial development. For IME(I) Mumbai Branch, the 43rd AGM offered a clear reflection of an engineering community preparing not only for the ships of tomorrow, but also for the environmental challenges shaping the wider maritime industry.
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Insights That Matter
“Indian ships and Indian seafarers are well equipped to comply with evolving international requirements on pollution prevention and containment. The competence of our seafarers, combined with their understanding of the impact of pollution, gives me confidence that Indian shipping will remain fully aligned with global maritime environmental standards.” – Mr Ajoy Chatterjee, Director (Maritime Studies) at ADU Academy India
“Professional bodies such as IMEI serve as a vital interface between the administration and industry. Technical forums and seminars provide an effective platform to discuss policy, resolve practical challenges and gather industry inputs. We rely heavily on this partnership to support India’s green-shipping transition and advance our shared net-zero ambitions.” – Mr Aniruddha Chaki, Deputy Chief Surveyor at DGMA
“LNG bunkering infrastructure and regulations are largely in place, but the commercial demand has yet to develop. Once stronger regulatory signals require ships to reduce emissions, demand for alternative fuels such as LNG will increase, creating the commercial incentive for fuel supply infrastructure and routine bunkering operations in India.” – Mr IN Bose, Advisor to The Great Eastern Shipping Co