Directorate General of Shipping Hosts Strategic Workshop on India’s Engagement with IMO

Mumbai: The Directorate General of Shipping, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), successfully concluded a comprehensive workshop on “Strategic Engagement of India with IMO” at the Indian Register of Shipping, Mumbai. The full-day event saw robust participation from key stakeholders and experts in the maritime industry, marking a significant step in India’s maritime strategy.

The workshop aimed to explore the multifaceted aspects of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), including its structure, composition, functioning, instruments, meetings, conventions, and interventions. Through a series of insightful sessions and interactive discussions, participants examined ways to enhance India’s strategic engagement with the IMO and promote sustainable maritime practices.

The event commenced with an inauguration ceremony, setting the tone for a day of high-level discussions led by distinguished speakers and subject matter experts. Key highlights included in-depth discussions on IMO committees such as the Standard of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), and Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), among others.

“Today’s workshop marks a pivotal step in our ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s strategic engagement with the International Maritime Organization. By fostering dialogue, sharing insights, and forging partnerships, MoPSW is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient maritime future,” said TK Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, MoPSW.

A central focus of the workshop was the exploration of opportunities for technical cooperation and capacity building, highlighting the importance of collaboration in tackling emerging challenges in the maritime sector. Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, emphasized this point by stating, “DG Shipping shall strive to make the shadow committee multi-dimensional, including all stakeholders as well as subject experts on economics and environmental science.”

The workshop also provided a platform for fruitful interactions between stakeholders, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering collaborative initiatives aimed at advancing India’s maritime interests on the global stage.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. As a member of the IMO and an elected Member of its Council, India’s engagement with the organization is crucial, especially given its extensive coastline of over 7,500 km, approximately 200 ports, including 12 major ones, and a fleet of more than 1,500 ships.

The active involvement of industry stakeholders is essential for India to effectively contribute to and benefit from the IMO’s initiatives. The workshop served as a significant milestone in enhancing India’s engagement with the IMO and underscored the nation’s commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and sustainable maritime environment.

In a related event yesterday, on 6th June, the Shipping Corporation of India hosted a pivotal workshop in Mumbai. Attended by TK Ramachandran, this event focused on addressing critical challenges within the shipbuilding industry. Key discussions revolved around establishing a Ship Owning and Leasing Entity (SOLE) and creating the Maritime Development Fund, both aimed at bolstering the sector’s growth and sustainability.