INMEX SMM India Maritime Expo Inaugurated in Mumbai

Padmesh Prabhune

The 13th edition of INMEX SMM India, a maritime exhibition and conference was inaugurated at the NSE Grounds in Mumbai on Wednesday 4th October. The three-day expo aimed to foster greater exposure for both domestic and international industry players in the thriving Indian market.

The trade show was inaugurated in the presence of several dignitaries including Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping; Dr Malini Shankar, Vice Chancellor, Indian Maritime University; H.E. Mrs. Yasiel Burillo, Ambassador and Consul General of Panama to India; Shri. Madhvendra Singh, CEO of Gujarat Maritime Cluster; Mr Claus Ulrich Selbach, Business Unit Director, Maritime and Renewable Fairs, Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH; Shri Sabyasachi Hajara, Chairman, INMEX SMM India Advisory Board.

Speaking at the inaugural session, the dignitaries shared their thoughts on the Indian maritime industry. Shri Shyam Jagannathan, highlighted the growth perspective on the Indian maritime industry, categorically mentioning the transformative reforms that need to be taken for ensuring ‘Infra’ status to shipping and further amendments to merchant Shipping act for the betterment of the industry.

He said, “The Government’s ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’ initiative, with 30% support for green shipping and port digitalization, is boosting India’s global maritime standing.”

Dr Malini Shankar emphasized the significance of exploring various probabilities across the sector, be it academia and other technological advancements. She said, “We should be leaders and not followers.”

Shri Sabyasachi Hajara said, “INMEX SMM India 2023 highlights the importance of India’s maritime sector in its economic growth and its potential impact on the Asia-Pacific region. India, with proactive government policies for ports, shipping, and inland waterways, is poised to lead the maritime industry.

“However, we need to work towards increasing our share and there has to be a level playing field.”

Over the course of the three-day event, the tradeshow with its exhibitors from 20 countries offered a diverse range across shipbuilding & repair, shipyard installations & equipment, ship fittings & equipment, green maritime technology, prime movers, gears and drive systems, auxiliary systems for prime movers, propulsors, manoeuvring devices, stabilizers & energy-saving devices, maritime safety & security, marine technology, ports and port technology, maritime services, and many more.

B2B Meetings to enhance business networking, Country Pavilions showcasing innovations from Germany and Greece, a Green Technology Pavilion focused on sustainable solutions, and an exclusive Product Launch that will shape the future of maritime technology, were some of the key highlights of the trade show.

The expo also hosted an esteemed industry awards night, acknowledging outstanding achievements and pioneering innovation.

Mr. Madhu Nair, Executive Director of Cochin Shipyard, was recognized with the Businessperson of the Year Award, and Mr MP Pinto, former Secretary to the Shipping Ministry, Government of India, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The expo was supported by industry associations such as The Company of Master Mariners of India, INSA, Foreign Owners Representatives and Ship Managers Association, Institute of Marine Engineers, IRCLASS, MASSA, and Gujarat Maritime Cluster, amongst others.

-Marex Media