DG Shipping commences 75th anniversary celebrations with first knowledge sharing event; signs landmark MoUs to strengthen maritime safety and security
MUMBAI : The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, Marked its 75th anniversary with a commemorative conference celebrating the Directorate General of Shipping’s legacy of service to the maritime sector, held under the theme “Jalasya Rakṣā, Janasya Surakṣā – Ocean Sentinel: Maritime Safety & Security in the 21st Century”. This flagship event is the first in a series of Knowledge Sharing Events planned throughout the year, bringing together prominent maritime leaders, policymakers, insurers, legal experts, and seafarer welfare advocates from across the globe.
This commemorative conference reflects India’s continued leadership in global maritime governance and its commitment to fostering collaboration for safer and more secure seas.
Formalising Global Maritime Collaboration
As part of the celebrations, the DGS signed two significant Memorandums of Understanding-one with the International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I), represented by Mr. Nick Shaw, Chief Executive Officer, and another with the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), represented by Mr. Chirag Bahri, International Operations Manager. These agreements aim to enhance maritime safety, strengthen risk management, and promote seafarer welfare worldwide.
Distinguished Dignitaries and Addresses
The inaugural session was led by Capt. S.I. Abul Kalam Azad, Nautical Advisor (I/c), DGS, and attended by:
- Chief Guest: Mr. Nick Shaw, CEO, International Group of P&I Clubs
- Guest of Honour: Capt. B.K. Tyagi, Chairman & Managing Director, Shipping Corporation of India Ltd.
- Keynote Address: Shri. Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping
- Special Address: Shri. Deepak Shetty, IRS, Former Secretary to Govt. of India & Former Director General of Shipping
The session also saw the release of the Marine Safety Investigation Report 2024 and the Maritime Security Review 2024.
Knowledge Sessions and Expert Participation
Session 1 – Indian Maritime Safety Priorities
Theme: “Resilient Oceans: Strengthening India’s Maritime Safety through Risk Awareness, Compliance, and Lessons from Casualties”
- Moderator: Capt. Savraj Mehta, Chief Commercial Officer, NorthStandard P&I
- Speakers: Capt. Harinder Singh (Nautical Surveyor, DGS), Mr. Jeroen Mooij (Operations Manager, SMIT Salvage, Singapore), Shri. Mukund Gujar (DIG, Indian Coast Guard), Capt. Prashant S. Widge (Head of ESG & Public Affairs, S. Asia, A.P. Moller–Maersk)
Session 2 – Maritime Safety Risk, Liability, and Industry Alignment
Theme: “Collaborative Accountability and the Pursuit of Excellence”
- Moderator: Capt. Anish Joseph, Deputy Nautical Advisor, DGS
- Speakers: Mr. Nick Shaw (CEO, IGP&I), Mr. Amitava Majumdar (Managing Partner, Bose & Mitra & Co., India), Smt. Leena Mody (Proprietor, Leena Mody & Associates), Capt. B.K. Tyagi (CMD, SCI Ltd.)
Session 3 – Maritime Security Challenges and Regional Cooperation
Theme: “Interoperability, Intelligence, and Innovation”
- Moderator: Shri. Deepak Shetty, IRS (Former DG Shipping)
- Speakers: Shri. Mukund Gujar (DIG, Indian Coast Guard), Capt. Sachin Singh (Director, IFC IOR), Mr. Elfian Harun (INTERTANKO, Singapore), Capt. Himadri Das, IN (Senior Defence Specialist, NSCS), Mr. Chirag Bahri (ISWAN)
Session 4 – Integrated Maritime Security Architecture
Theme: “Threat Scenarios and India’s Response Architecture”
- Moderator: Capt. Anish Joseph, Deputy Nautical Advisor, DGS
- Speakers: Mr. Joshua Hutchinson (Managing Director – Intelligence & Risk, Ambrey, UK), Prof. Manimuthu Gandhi (Vice President, Indian Society of International Law), Capt. Prashant Mani (Captain – Naval Operations, Indian Navy), Capt. Tarun Puri (Group Security Director, OSM Thome)
Quote from the Director General of Shipping, Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS:
“India’s maritime sector is not just navigating its own course, but shaping global currents. Through partnerships such as those signed today, we are building stronger safety frameworks, advancing security measures, and ensuring that our seafarers and our oceans are protected for generations to come.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Capt. Harinder Singh and a networking high tea, setting the stage for a year-long series of thought leadership forums under the 75th Anniversary celebrations.