The International Level Virtual Conference on Disruptive Technologies in Maritime Sector: Industry 4.0 (ICDTMS 2021) was inaugurated on 28 June. It aims to provide a premier interdisciplinary platform for seafarers, scientists, academic experts, industry peers, research fellows and students to share the latest research and innovations in the field of disruptive technologies in maritime industries. Around 186 technical papers were received from various organizations and 113 papers were selected for presentation in the conference.

Conference Chair, Dr T Sasilatha, Dean Academics, AMET welcomed the august participants. Chief Engineer Prof Bhoopathy Bhaskaran, Principal, DGS courses delivered the principal address. Vice-Chancellor Col Dr G Thiruvasagam graced the conference and Dr Panneerselvam Ramaswamy, Principal Director (MSME), Technology Development Centre, Agra inaugurated it.

The chief guest, Dr Sanjay Bhavnani, Director and Chief Operating Officer, MMS Maritime (India) Private Ltd spoke about the significance of the Learn-Unlearn-Relearn Methodology to go ahead with the cadets in higher learning. The students were advised to be fearless in life and to pursue their passion to determine success.

The guest of honour, Dr Irek Czarnowski, Professor, Gdynia Maritime University, Poland enlightened on the influence of Artificial Intelligence in today’s world and how it has become inevitable in our day-to-day life and in the maritime sphere.

The keynote speaker, Chief Engineer Sivaram Narayana Swamy, General Manager (Business Development), Cochin Shipyard Limited enlightened the participants with advanced technologies employed in maritime industries. He quoted the autonomous full electric vessel for Norway, using digital integration and he said that the cadets must lay a strong emphasis on the agility to upgrade knowledge, and not remain static. As a closing statement, he mentioned that future employment will increase if technological skills are upgraded.

On day 2, Mr Dinesh Babu SO, Director of KUM India private limited and Samhita marine private limited articulated on Innovative underwater systems, renewable offshore energy and future technologies. His emphasis was on autonomous marine vehicle development and its advancements and the research and development activities in operation. He further explained about underwater surface vessels and its deployment in navigation sectors.

Dr Moshin Raza, Department of Computer science at Edge Hill University, UK spoke on Industrial Automation. His special mention was about the neuro plastic nature of the brain and that how its centre can be controlled by external devices to increase the cognitive intelligence but altering the creation of alpha waves in the brain centre of humans.

Chief Engineer Indra Nath Bose, Advisor, The Great Shipping Co. Limited, Mumbai explored the details on Green house emission, zero carbon autonomous ships, the implementation of IMO Codes, Conventions in IRS classed vessels and on implementation of International Safety Management Code, International Ship and Port Facility Security Codes.

Dr Vijay Kumar Banga, Principal, Amritsar College of Engineering and Technology, Amritsar, Punjab, India was the chief guest of the valedictory session. He touched upon the role of Artificial Intelligence, Image Processing, Robotics and Automation in today’s world and the recent technological revolution and new normal. He mentioned on the green initiative to keep the environment cool, clean and green. Followed by the valedictory address, the conference ended with a vote of thanks.

Marex Media