India charts green shipping path: MEPC 83 outcomes discussed at IMEI-DG tech seminar

The Institute of Marine Engineers (India), Mumbai Branch, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Shipping, hosted a high-impact seminar on 14 May 2025 at the IRS Auditorium, Powai, to deliberate on the key decisions taken at the 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The event focused on short- and medium-term decarbonization measures, the evolving regulatory landscape under MARPOL Annex VI, and India’s preparedness for the Hong Kong Convention (HKC), which is set to enter into force in 2025.

The Guest of Honour, Ajith Sukumaran, Chief Surveyor, DG Shipping, delivered an insightful and impressive speech, highlighting how India has constructively engaged at IMO forums and justified its balanced regulatory stance. He encouraged Indian shipowners to not only comply but lead in meeting and exceeding IMO environmental targets, and emphasized the importance of technical, economic, and support mechanisms for an equitable transition.

Opening & Keynote

Rajeev Nayyer, President of IMEI, welcomed the participants, followed by an insightful keynote address by Vikrant Rai, Principal Officer, MMD Kolkata. He acknowledged the contributions of the Indian delegation and supporting technical teams, having led India’s participation at MEPC 83. His address clarified the difference between CII and GFI, the identification criteria for ZNZ fuels, and the readiness of Indian manufacturers to exceed IMO regulatory targets. Shri Rai also delivered the concluding remarks, reinforcing India’s leadership and ambition in green shipping.

Technical Committee & Moderation

The technical sessions were chaired and moderated by Shri Shobhit Kapoor, Head – Technical Committee, IMEI Mumbai Branch.

Session 1: IMO GHG Measures and Fuel Standards

Rajeev Nayyer and Mudit Mehrotra shared their perspectives on the way forward for the Indian shipping industry, covering regulatory preparedness, operational adaptation, and the importance of technical and crew training to meet decarbonization obligations. N. Girish clarified IMO’s LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) guidelines, explaining how well-to-wake pathways will be assessed under the GFI regime and offering recommendations to shipyards Satish Kamath delivered a comprehensive presentation on mid-term IMO measures, outlining the three-pillar strategy adopted by IMO: Technical (GFI standards), Economic (Market-based measures), and Supportive (Capacity building and innovation funding). He elaborated on the 2027 implementation of GFI, the role of LCA, ZNZ fuel adoption, the need for internationally harmonized documentation, and ensuring a just transition.

Session 2: CII, EEDI, EEXI & GFI Harmonization

B. Venkat elaborated on the recent changes in CII regulations, including tightening of rating thresholds, enhanced correction factors, and enforcement timelines. I.N. Bose focused on carbon capture technologies and regulatory harmonization. He discussed the integration of EEDI, EEXI, CII, and GFI within a coherent MEPC framework. Technical updates included EEDI Phase 3 adjustments, EEXI benchmarks for existing ships, and mandatory transition to ISO 15016:2025 and ITTC RP 2024 by 1 May 2026.

Session 3: Ballast Water, Air Pollution, URN & Marine Plastic Litter

This session featured presentations by Devrup Kabi, Gopi Krishna, Mahesh Korade, and Vikrant Rai. Topics included proposed amendments for D-4 to D-2 conversion under the Ballast Water Management Convention, compliance improvements in BWMS, and SCR system implementation for NOx Tier III. Mahesh Korade outlined the voluntary guidelines on Underwater Radiated Noise (URN), with a focus on design-based incentives for noise reduction. Gopi Krishna highlighted the 2025 IMO Action Plan on Marine Plastic Litter (MEPC.404(83)), stressing seafarer training, port waste reception improvements, and cross-sector cooperation.

Session 4: Ship Recycling & HKC Implementation

Speakers Gopi Krishna, Rajeev Nayyer, and Satish Kamath addressed India’s preparations for implementing the Hong Kong Convention (HKC), effective 2025. Gopi Krishna informed the discussions that took place in MEPC 83 with respect to the new output agreed towards the assessment of the implementation of the HKC through an experience building phase and development of amendments . Further the panel reviewed legislative alignment, infrastructure upgrades at Alang, and training needs. Gopi Krishna confirmed that the competent authority under HKC for India will be formally announced soon, bringing clarity to the regulatory framework.

Interaction & Conclusion

The seminar concluded with an open house interaction covering GFI vs. CII methodology, LCA compliance, ZNZ certification, and practical measures for shipyards and ports. Vikrant Rai emphasized India’s leadership role and innovation potential in global decarbonization efforts.

Rajesh Kasaragod, Treasurer, IMEI Mumbai Branch, delivered the Vote of Thanks. The event ended with presentation of mementoes and networking over high tea.

Tags: Green Shipping, IMEI-DG, India, Seminar