Charting the Course for Maritime Innovation

The Naval Connection (TNC) proudly announces the successful culmination of the Technology in Maritime (TIM) Conference 2023, held on November 18th at the Celebrations Club, Andheri West, Mumbai. TIM, recognized as the largest global conference on emerging technologies and their impact on the shipping industry, gathered maritime professionals, technology experts, seafarers, and leaders from across the globe.

A Hive of Innovation:
The TIM Conference has firmly established itself as a beehive where technology exponents, seafarers, and maritime leaders converge for tangible discussions on the present and future of maritime. With the overarching theme, “The Future is Now,” the event aimed to prepare the industry for upcoming challenges and opportunities in an era of rapid technological advancements.

Eminent Dignitaries:
The conference hosted distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Shri Shyam Jagannathan (IAS), Director General of Shipping, an influential Opening Address by Dr H. Banga, Founder and Chairman of The Caravel Group, and an insightful Keynote by Mr Sankar Ragavan, CEO of Mariapps and CDO of BSM. Guests of Honour included Prof. Dr. Mangesh Karad of MIT ADT Univ, Capt. Mahendra Bhasin MD MSC Crewing Services India, Mr. Karan Kochhar MD Maersk India, and Capt. Navin Passey, Industry Mentor and Former Chairman FOSMA.

Welcome Note by Capt. Shoukat Mukherjee, CEO & Founder of The Naval Connection:
In a heartfelt welcome note, Capt. Shoukat Mukherjee, CEO & Founder of The Naval Connection, set the tone for the TIM Conference 2023. Capt. Mukherjee emphasized the significance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in shaping the future of maritime. He welcomed all participants and highlighted the event’s commitment to innovation and unity. The Naval Connection (TNC), founded by Capt Shoukat Mukherjee, is a maritime consulting firm with the mission of “Building Skills for the Future.” TNC prides itself on organizing global conferences and engagement events related to shipping and skill building.

Global Engagement:

The physical conference drew maritime professionals from India and abroad, with a simultaneous live stream reaching a global audience. Delegates from across the world participated, solidifying TIM as a truly international event fostering global collaboration.

Speakers:
Ms. Aswini Priyanka Rajendran, Chief Operations Officer, Necurity Solutions
Capt. Nikunj Parashar, CEO, Oceanos B.V
Mr. Kaushik Seal, General Manager, Far East, Njord
Mr. Saurabh Kumar, Head of Technical Operations, Njord
Capt. Dhruv Sawhney, CEO & Co-founder, Shipskart
Capt. Gaurav Bajaj, Associate Vice President, Simulation Products, ARI Simulation, New Delhi
Capt. Ruchin Dayal, CEO, eDOT Solutions
Capt. Vinod Naveen, Executive Council Member, Nautical Institute London

Innovation in Maritime (IIM) Awards:
The conference extended beyond discussions with the introduction of the ‘Innovation in Maritime’ (IIM) Awards. This unique initiative recognized the potential of maritime students, offering them a platform to present innovative concepts and ideas addressing industry challenges. Papers from seafarers and recent graduates were also welcomed. A global jury working through many months screened the entries received from over 60 maritime students and seafarers and the grand prize distribution was held where the winners were awarded prizes by the jury.

The honourable jury comprised of the following stalwarts
Capt. Rajesh Tandon, CEO FOSMA
Capt. Shiv Halbe, CEO MASSA
Mrs H.K. Joshi, Former CMS SCI
Mr. Sabyasachi Hajara, Former CMD SCI
Mr. Kaushik Seal, GM Far East Njord
Ms Sonali Banerjee, Sr Surveyor IRS
Capt Nikunj Parashar, MD Sagar Defence Engineering
Capt. Sudhir Subhedar, Industry Mentor

The following students and seafarers won the Innovation award in each category,
Students Category:
Winner: Shardul Shantanu Bandre, Tolani Maritime Institute
1st Runner Up: K. Keertivasan, AMET University
2nd Runner Up: Bhavesh Kumer Sendh & Ekta Mehta, Tolani Maritime Institute
4th Prize: Chinmay Rane & Group, MANET Pune
5th Prize: Bhavey Dhaka, SCOPE Maritime

Seafarers Category:
Winner: Capt. Prerit Misra
1st Runner Up: Capt. Pavlo Remizov. Croation sailing Master
TNC Blue Shileds Maritime Life Saver’s Medallion for exceptional medical proficiency shown at sea to save lives on board went to 2.Off Vikas Kengre and Caot Navjyoti Singh

Walk of Honour:
Following the awards ceremony, the event featured the inaugural ‘Walk of Honour,’ where maritime leaders and students graced the ramp, showcasing character and integrity. This unique spectacle aimed to inspire the new generation to embrace a career in the merchant navy. This has never been attempted before in the Indian shipping fraternity where leaders and mentors walked the ramp to inspire the next generation to take up maritime as a career option

The Walk of Honour was divided into several segments, each having its script and storyline. The segments were
Good Old Days of Shipping
Building Value for the Future (Trainers)
Manet Showcase
Unsung Contributors
IndusInd Bank Showcase
From Dreams to Professions (Seafarers)
Movers and Shakers
Guiding Lights (Industry Mentors)
Varuna Awardees
Fashion Mentors
TNC Team and Credits

Special Awards:

Recognising the contribution of some stalwarts in the industry the following people were honoured with social Jury awards at the IIM Awards function

1. Dr H. Banga, Founder and Chairman Caravel Group – Global Shipping Icon Award

Received by Ms Renuka Nayyer and Capt. Sudhir Subhedar

2. Capt. D. C. Sekhar. Founder Alphamers Ltd – Excellence in Maritime Technology Award

3. Capt. Nikunj Parashar – MD Sagar Defence Engineering

Moments and Gifts: Dr. Belani of Blue Shields Medical Clinic presented momentoes and gifts, including the TNC Blue Shields Maritime Lifesaver’s Medallion.

IndusInd Bank Showcase: IndusInd Bank, the maritime financial partner, honoured guests of honour and presented signed cricket bats.

Special Moments:
In a noteworthy moment, the event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour. The TIM mascot was also revealed by the Chief Guest, adding a touch of excitement and symbolism to the conference.

Reflecting on Success:
“The TIM Conference 2023 not only highlighted the cutting-edge developments in maritime technology but also fostered a spirit of innovation and unity within the industry. The Innovation in Maritime Awards and Walk of Honour added a unique dimension, underlining our commitment to shaping the future of maritime,” commented Capt. Shoukat Mukherjee, Founder & CEO The Naval Connection.

Marex Media