Navigating the future of maritime excellence and green technology

The 13th edition of INMEX SMM India in collaboration with Hamburg Messe und Congress commenced at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon East, Mumbai. With over 200 exhibitors, this event stands as South Asia’s largest maritime exhibition and conference. It offers a platform for global experts, industry players, and enthusiasts to converge, innovate, and address the challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector, which is poised for growth, with India’s Shipbuilding Market estimated to reach USD 8.7 Bn by 2028, driven by digitalisation, automation, and the adoption of green technologies.

The grand inaugural ceremony of the event was graced by the presence of renowned luminaries including Mr. Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General Shipping, Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Govt of India; Ms. H.E. Yasiel Burillo, Ambassador and Consul General of Panama to India, Rear Admiral Deepak Kumar Goswami, Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, Mumbai; Dr. Malini Shankar, Vice Chancellor, Indian Maritime University & Former Director General, Directorate of Shipping; Mr. Claus Ulrich Selbach, Business Unit Director, Maritime and Renewable Fairs, Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH; Mr. Sabyasachi Hajara, Chairman, INMEX SMM India Advisory Board and Mr. Ranjith Paul, Group Director, Informa Markets India.

The expo is supported by prestigious industry associations, including 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, among others. Key exhibitors such as Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Chowgule Ship Building, Colombo Dockyard Plc., Panama Maritime Authority, Volvo Group India, Marine Electricals (India) Ltd., and many more, participated in INMEX SMM India 2023. This event serves as a catalyst for networking within the industry, providing a fertile ground for the establishment of partnerships, collaborations, and enduring business relationships.

Addressing at the inauguration, Mr. Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India said, “India’s maritime sector plays a pivotal role in achieving a $20 trillion GDP by 2047, with a 9% projected growth rate. Recent achievements include doubling major ports’ capacity, substantial waterway growth, increased cruise passengers and seafarers, expanded solar power, and lighthouse tourism. This progress is fueled by transformative reforms like Sagarmala and digitalization initiatives. Sustainability is key, as seen through the Swachh Sagar Portal for environmental data. The sector’s vision encompasses quadrupling port capacity, clean energy fuel hubs, cruise tourism growth, shipbuilding and recycling leadership, and a 5,000 km regional waterway grid. The National Action Plan for Green Shipping promotes eco-friendly practices and incentives for low emission ships, positioning India’s maritime sector for a prosperous and environmentally responsible future.”

Dr. Malini Shankar, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University and Former Director General of the Directorate of Shipping said, “It is necessary to boost India’s maritime industry in light of technical advancements and the acknowledgement of moon missions and ocean exploration on a worldwide scale. In light of technological breakthroughs and international acclaim for lunar missions and ocean exploration, India should strengthen its marine industry. Ship design advancements as well as IoT, automation, and integrated bridge systems are emerging innovations. The comprehensive conference put up by INMEX SMM India is in line with the government initiatives such as the “Make in India” and the “Maritime Indian Vision 2030.”

Highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector, Rear Admiral Deepak Kumar Goswami, Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, Mumbai said, “The 13th edition of INMEX SMM India 2023 is dedicated to positioning India as a global maritime leader. We are addressing critical themes like alternate fuels, energy efficiency, maritime 4.0, and data generation. Remarkable innovations such as LNG, hydrogen, and biofuels are propelling sustainability, while energy-efficient designs and seamless digital integration are elevating safety and efficiency standards. The Indian Navy is steadfast in championing these advancements, aligning with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ through initiatives like TEDAC, NIIO, and SPRINT. We wholeheartedly encourage innovation, provide support for startups, and advocate for collaboration to sculpt a greener, more efficient maritime future.”

Speaking on the 13th Edition of INMEX SMM India, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, “As organisers of INMEX SMM India 2023, we are proud to steer this flagship maritime event into its 13th edition. The maritime industry accounts for over 95% of trade volume and 70% of India’s trade value, which plays a significant part in the world economy. India, as one of the world’s fastest-growing maritime markets, holds a pivotal position and presents a vast canvas of opportunities for global investment in its maritime sector. To strengthen this vital sector, India seeks investments in key areas such as upgrading port infrastructure with major ports in order to handle larger vessels and growing cargo volumes. Also, the development of inland waterways is another attractive investment opportunity. The Government’s allocation of INR 2218.74 crores to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways for FY 2023-24 and 30% financial support from total project cost to promote green shipping underscores its consistent dedication. Furthermore, With India embracing global collaboration, and permitting 100% FDI for port development projects, the foreign investments here can boost efficiency, reduce turnaround times and improve international trade.”

“INMEX SMM India Expo 2023 serves as a platform for converging innovation and opportunity, forging partnerships that will shape the future of maritime excellence including advancements in sustainable and eco-friendly shipping solutions. We set sail for a more promising maritime tomorrow together,” he further added.

INMEX SMM India offers a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange with an enriching program of conferences, seminars, and workshops fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement. The conference will cover vital themes like ‘India’s Maritime Sector: Charting a Course for the Future’, ‘Green Shipping & Technology,’ ‘Digitalization & Automation – The Transformative Value,’ ‘Ship Design & Sustainability,’ ‘Ship Building & Strategic Investment’. Eminent speakers participating at the event include G Shivakumar, Executive Director & CFO, Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd, Madhu Nair, CMD, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Ms. Vandana Aggarwal, Chairperson, IFSCA Committee on Ship Acquisition, Financing and Leasing, Mr. Dipesh Shah, ED, IFSCA and Mr. Punit Oza, Founder, Maritime NXT & Affiliated Research Fellow, Singapore Management University.

A B2B Meeting Scheduler to promote better business networking, Country Pavilions featuring cutting-edge products from Germany and Greece, a Green Technology Pavilion with a focus on sustainability, and exclusive Product Launches that influence the direction of maritime technology are just a few of the event’s standout features.

INMEX SMM India 2023 promises to be a landmark event in the maritime calendar, facilitating industry growth, knowledge sharing, and innovation. With a focus on sustainable practices and technological advancement, the event is set to steer the maritime sector towards a greener and more efficient future.

Source: INMEX SMM India 2023.