Emerging Changes & Challenges Discussed at NMD Seminar

As part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the Indian Maritime world, a hybrid seminar was conducted in Mumbai, titled “New India – New Tonnage”, the latter ‘new’ pertaining to the challenges of the new emissions reduction regulations, emergent fuels, and digitalization.

Held at the premises of the Indian Register of Shipping on the 3rd of April, it formed a discussion segment of the National Maritime Week, which had begun last week with the Merchant Navy flag-pinning ceremony at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Ramesh Bais accepted the honours.

Speaking at the seminar, the Session Chair, Mr. Ajith Sukumaran, Chief Surveyor cum Additional Director General of Shipping, spoke of the challenges faced by Indian shipping. He said, “If we are to get the government to take up fleet expansion under the Indian flag as a priority we must approach them repeatedly, not just once a year on a celebratory day.

“Continuous hammering of our agenda is the way to do it. Piece meal projections and engaging the government in minor matters must be avoided.”

He also suggested that changes occurring in the emission reductions and new fuels must be taken up with alacrity. He said, “I am not in favour of a lackadaisical approach, as these are times when opportunities are presenting themselves. We must seize them before others do, or we are once again left 2 steps behind. Let us be the first movers in all these emerging areas.”

Excellent presentations were made by Mr. Sunayan Sanatani of Gesco, Mr. Nikhil Raj of SCI, and Mr. Suhas Vhanmane of IRS.

The sessions were moderated by Capt MP Bhasin, Secretary General of CMMI; and Mr. Sanjeev V Mehra, Secretary General of IMEI.

Mr. Anil Devli, CEO of INSA spoke of the many difficulties faced by Indian shipowners in growing their fleets, and the difficult Indian tax regime that leaves them a very uneven playing field when it comes to competing with foreign tonnage. After years of apathy by the ministries and no viable solutions forthcoming in this context, the industry appears to have resigned itself to a state of near stagnancy for the foreseeable future.

Marex Media