INDIAN MARITIME CENTRE –STRONG FOUNDATION FOR THE APEX MARITIME BODY

The Indian Maritime Centre (IMC) was set up in September 2024 with mandate from Government of India under the patronage of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MOPSW) aimed at pursuing the objectives set out in the Maritime India Vision:2030 (MIV:2030) and Maritime Amrit Kal Vision:2047 (MAKV:2047) to transform India as a formidable Global Maritime Leader.

The IMC was initially set up with seven members as below:

1.    Mr. Devki Nandan, Chairman

President, Indian Private Ports and Terminals Association (IPPTA)

2.    Mr Shankar Shinde, Vice Chairman

Immediate Past Chairman, Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI)

3.    Capt Sankalp Shukla, Hon. Secretary

Chairman, Foreign Owners Representatives and Ship Managers Association (FOSMA)

4.    Capt. Vikas Vij, Treasurer

President, ICC Shipping Association (ICCSA)

5.    Mr Arjun Ashok Chowgule,

President, Shipyards Association of India (SAI)

6.    Mr. Maneesh Pradhan,

Chairman, Maritime Association of Shipowners, Ship Managers and Agents (MASSA)

7.    Mr. Rahul Modi,

President, Coastal Container Transporters Association (CCTA)

The Indian Maritime Centre (IMC) had its 3^rd Board meeting on 6^th February,2025.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman of the Board, Mr Devki Nandan, mentioned “Within a short period of four months after setting up, IMC is becoming truly an Apex Body of the Maritime Sector in India. For the first time in India, we have been successful in bringing Private Trade Associations, Central Govt Bodies, State Govt Bodies, Institutions, and Companies together under one umbrella to foster the growth of our country. Many prominent industry bodies are joining IMC and now we are expecting a rapid growth in membership. We had initial seven founding members, and now almost tripled to 20 Members. On behalf of IMC Board, I would like to thank the management of Indian Register of Shipping, Indian Ports Association, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Sagarmala Development Company Ltd, Container Shipping Lines Association, Indian Maritime University, Association of Container Train Operators, National Union of Seafarers of India, Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Cochin Port Authority, Adani Ports SEZ and Indian Port Rail and Ropeways Corporation for joining IMC”.

For India as one of the fastest growing large economies in the world, a high-performing, internationally competitive maritime sector is of great economic importance. Our areas of work cover entire value chains in the fields of shipbuilding, shipping and ports encompassing sustainable marine technology and maritime logistics. IMC will provide a platform to share a vast array of knowledge and experiences from its members and global partnerships with various think tanks, research institutes and centres of excellence, so that the Indian maritime industry can strive to reach a leading position internationally.

As an Apex Maritime Body representing all maritime interests of India, IMC will act as a catalyst for policy formulation and policy advocacy by coordinating as a link between the Industry and the Government. IMC will support the maritime sector by providing latest information and developments in technologies, laws and practices that help in creating state of the art technology and international benchmarks in maritime sector.

In addition to seven Initial Private Trade Associations, who have become members, the following 12 Organizations have subsequently joined IMC as Members.

1.Indian Maritime University (IMU)

2.National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI)

3.Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)

4.Container Shipping Lines Association (CSLA)

5.Association of Container Train Operators (ACTO)

6.Indian Ports Association (IPA)

7.Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA)

8.Sagarmala Development Company Ltd (SDCL)

9.Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL)

10.Cochin Port Authority (CoPA)

11.Adani Ports SEZ

12.Indian Port Rail and Ropeways Corporation Ltd

.

In addition to above several State Maritime Boards, Shipping Companies, Port Organizations, Major Ports are also in the process of becoming members.

This increasing interest of maritime stakeholders in joining the IMC will strengthen us to fulfil our objectives.

All the Trade associations, maritime State Governments, State Maritime Boards, organisations, companies, institutions, bodies and other stakeholders who are directly or indirectly connected with the Indian maritime trade are welcome to join IMC with a view to achieve the above objectives through the collective efforts of those in the trade itself.