He elaborated on the various initiatives and measures
they had been taking in the shipping industry. “We need to improve
[the ranking] substantially. We are adopting advance technologies and exploring
new business plans, fast-tracking infrastructure development, focusing on
sustainable logistics, and becoming a favoured investment destination,” Mr. Jagannathan said.
There was an increase of 102% in major port capacity,
more than a 1,000% boost in inland waterways cargo, and a 121% rise in the
strength of sea fares. In the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), 2023,
nine Indian ports have been ranked in the global top 100 list, he said.
Mr. Jagannathan also said there was a need to have the
right ecosystem to catch on and leverage the ship-repair and ship-building
industry. “Shipping
management companies need to have gender parity. As lady cadets sign on to
vessels, we will have more and more women seafarers,” he said.
Srinivas Gopal, principal-DGS Courses,
AMET University, said the Global Maritime Awards
recognised individuals and institutions whose time and efforts had made a
significant impact in maritime education.
J. Ramachandran, Founder-Chancellor,
AMET University, G. Thiruvasagam, Pro-Chancellor (Academics), and Rajesh
Ramachandran, Pro-Chancellor, also spoke on the occasion.