Sonia Parmar – The maritime industry’s path to 2030 came sharply into focus as INMARCO 2026, the flagship conference of the Institute of Marine Engineers (India), opened at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, Mumbai, from Tuesday, 27 October to Thursday, 29 October 2026. Held under the theme Maritime Landscape 2030: Opportunities and Challenges, the conference brought together policymakers, regulators, shipowners, classification societies, technology providers, academia, and seafarers to discuss the forces reshaping global shipping.
Setting the tone for the three-day event, Mr Sanjeev Mehra, Chairman, IMEI Mumbai Branch, described INMARCO as a vital platform “to exchange knowledge, explore innovations, and shape the future of the industry.” Welcoming delegates from across the maritime ecosystem, he highlighted more than 40 technical and non-technical sessions and urged participants to use the conference as an opportunity to collaborate, learn and build lasting partnerships. He also announced a sustainability initiative under which a portion of the event’s memento budget would be redirected towards tree plantation, ensuring that INMARCO leaves behind what he called “a greener legacy.”
Echoing the spirit of collaboration, Mr Kaushik Seal, President, IMEI, noted that shipping stands at a defining moment in its history. While decarbonisation, digitalisation and changing trade patterns are reshaping maritime operations, he stressed that “the answer lies in collaboration.” He urged industry, academia and policymakers to work together while identifying sustainability, technology and people as the sector’s three defining priorities. He also unveiled plans for a maritime centre of excellence supported by a land donation from the Saxena family, aimed at advancing maritime research, logistics and AI-driven skill development.
Looking toward the maritime landscape beyond 2030, Mr Arun Sharma, Executive Chairman of Indian Register of Shipping and Chairman of the INMARCO Advisory Board, described the ongoing shift toward cleaner and more technologically advanced shipping as perhaps the most significant transformation since the move from sail to steam. While discussing alternative fuels, optimised vessel designs and cleaner operations, he suggested that shipping is entering one of the most transformative periods in its history. Mr Sharma argued that achieving net-zero ambitions would require openness to emerging technologies, including nuclear energy, famously remarking that “no nuclear means no net zero.” Yet his strongest message was directed at the industry’s workforce. Infrastructure can be built, he said, but without skilled people to manage and operate it, progress will be limited. “People matter,” he emphasised, calling for large-scale upskilling across shipbuilding and maritime services.
Joining virtually, Mr Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, linked the conference discussions to India’s long-term maritime ambitions under Maritime India Vision 2040 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. He noted that ports, shipping and maritime connectivity are central to India’s growth strategy and asserted that innovation, digital technologies and skilled marine engineers would be critical in delivering a stronger, safer and greener maritime sector.
Offering a global perspective, Ms Monica Ommundsen Nagelgaard, Consul General of Norway in Mumbai, suggested that 2030 no longer feels like a distant destination but “something already taking shape around us.” Reflecting on recent visits to Indian shipyards and recycling facilities, she highlighted how the future of shipping is being shaped throughout a vessel’s lifecycle. She stressed that no country or technology can transform the maritime sector alone, noting that the growing India-Norway partnership demonstrates the value of combining expertise, innovation and practical cooperation.
In a special video message, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization, praised India’s contribution to global shipping and underlined the urgency of preparing maritime infrastructure and human capital for the energy transition. While technology and infrastructure would drive change, he reminded delegates that “people remain at the heart of maritime transformation,” making investment in skills and the next generation indispensable for long-term success.
Delivering the inaugural address, Mr Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Maritime Administration, balanced optimism with realism. Referring to current geopolitical tensions affecting international shipping, he urged the industry to collaborate in safeguarding global supply chains. At the same time, he pointed to India’s growing maritime strength, noting the country’s position as the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, its global leadership in sustainable ship recycling, and its ambitious plans to scale domestic shipbuilding capacity. The newly enacted Merchant Shipping Act 2025, he noted, is designed to drive investment and ease of doing business across the sector.
The conference also carried a message from Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, who reinforced the central themes emerging from the opening session. He called on stakeholders to embrace advanced technologies to improve efficiency, reliability and safety while ensuring that maritime professionals remain at the centre of transformation. Sonowal emphasised continuous training, welfare and professional development for seafarers and marine engineers, urged greater industry-academia collaboration, and encouraged young professionals to combine technical excellence with innovation and integrity. India, he said, must build a maritime sector that is globally competitive, technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable.
As INMARCO 2026 moves through its three-day programme, one message stands out above all others: the maritime landscape of 2030 will not be defined solely by cleaner fuels, smarter ships or advanced technologies. It will be shaped by the industry’s ability to invest in people, foster collaboration and convert vision into action.
Marex Media