India's DG of Shipping Hosts Workshop to Strengthen Strategic Engagement with IMO

The event commenced with an inauguration ceremony, followed by a series of sessions led by distinguished speakers and subject matter experts.

The Directorate General of Shipping, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, successfully concluded a full-day workshop on "Strategic Engagement of India with IMO" at the Indian Register of Shipping, Mumbai. The event witnessed widespread participation from key stakeholders and experts in the maritime industry.

The workshop aimed to explore various aspects of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), including its structure, composition, functioning, instruments, meetings, conventions, and interventions. Through 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, followed by a series of sessions led by distinguished speakers and subject matter experts. Key discussions focused on IMO committees such as the Standard of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), and 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 Shri TK Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, MoPSW.

One of the focal points of the workshop was the exploration of opportunities for technical cooperation and capacity building, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing emerging challenges in the maritime sector.

"DG Shipping shall strive to make the shadow committee multi-dimensional including all stakeholders as well as subject experts on economics and environmental science," said Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping.

The workshop provided a platform for fruitful interactions between stakeholders, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering collaborative initiatives to advance India's maritime interests on the global stage.

India, a member of IMO and an elected member of its Council, boasts a coastline of over 7,500 km, around 200 ports including 12 major ones, and more than 1,500 ships. Engaging more deeply with the IMO is crucial for India to ensure safety, security, and sustainability in its maritime operations.

Overall, the workshop was a significant milestone in India's efforts to enhance its engagement with the IMO, underscoring the nation's commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and sustainable maritime environment.

Additionally, on 6th June, the Shipping Corporation of India hosted a workshop in Mumbai, focusing on critical challenges within the shipbuilding industry. Key discussions included the establishment of a Ship Owning and Leasing Entity (SOLE) and the creation of the Maritime Development Fund, aimed at bolstering the sector's growth and sustainability, in the presence of Shri TK Ramachandran, Secretary of MoPSW.