Symposium: Coastal Transformation & Global Challenges - Highlights | 2024

Samudra Manthan Foundation Hosts Interactive Symposium on Coastal Transformation and Global Challenges followed by 11th ISMA 2024.
SMF organized a thought-provoking symposium titled 'Coastal Transformation and Global Challenges' to commemorate 75 years of the Directorate General of Shipping.
The event, co-partnered by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and maritime experts to discuss critical issues and chart a sustainable course for India’s maritime future.
The symposium began with a compelling session on 'Navigating a Geopolitical Storm: India’s Path to Sustainable Growth'. Moderated by Shri Rajeeva Sinha, IAS, Advisor, JNPA, the session featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including Shri Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman, JNPA; Dr. Surendra Ahirwar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Shri Shantanu Bhadkamkar, Managing Director, ATC Group; Shri Santosh Patil, FICS, Head of Corporate Affairs, Indian Register of Shipping. The session explored strategies for leveraging coastal shipping to strengthen economic resilience, improve connectivity, and drive sustainable growth amidst global challenges.
Shri Rajeeva Sinha, IAS (Retd.) emphasized India's ability to navigate geopolitical challenges through self-reliance and positioned Make in India as a strategic solution.
Dr. Surendra Ahirwar, highlighted the government's evolving role as a facilitator, crediting the Prime Minister’s Gatishakti National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy for fostering resilience and enabling better dialogue in supply chain management.
Shri Unmesh Sharad Wagh underscored the inevitability of uncertainty, advocating for a competitive edge and preparedness, drawing from the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shri Shantanu Bhadkamkar reflected on India's adaptability and resilience, likening it to "fishing in troubled waters," and emphasized the importance of staying resourceful in uncertain times.
Shri Santosh Patil, FICS, Head of Corporate Affairs at IRS, painted a positive outlook on India’s growing status as an economic power, applauding the government’s proactive efforts in collaboration and seeking expertise from the industry to address evolving challenges.
The second session, titled “Transforming Coastal Shipping in India,” was moderated by Capt. Dinesh Gautama, Senior President, Sarjak Container Lines. The panelists included Capt. Daniel Joseph, Deputy Director General of Shipping, Directorate General of Shipping; Captain Ravindra Kumar, Head, MBC Operations, JSW Shipping & Logistics Pvt. Ltd.; Shri C.M. Muraleedharan, India Area Director, Unifeeder Group, DP World; Captain Unmesh Abhyankar, Joint President, Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) Ltd. The session delved into operational challenges, policy reforms, and innovations essential for transforming India’s coastal shipping sector into a competitive and sustainable industry.
The symposium commenced with a welcome address by Capt. Vivek Bhandarkar, Director, Samudra Manthan Foundation. The keynote address was delivered by Captain Vivek S. Anand, Founder and Director of CVSA & Associates. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Karunakar Shetty, Vice President, Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce. A special thank you goes to Ms. Ambika Singh for her impeccable role as the Master of Ceremony at the Symposium to commemorate 75 years of the Directorate General of Shipping
This event highlighted the DGShipping’s rich 75-year legacy and reaffirmed its commitment to driving transformative change in India’s maritime sector. It served as a platform for meaningful discussions to build a resilient & sustainable future. It served as a perfect prelude to the 11th International Samudra Manthan Awards conducted to honour excellence in maritime and logistics.
Capt Dinesh Gautama, explored key challenges and opportunities for India’s coastal shipping sector.
Shri C.M. Muralidharan stressed the importance of geographical connectivity and the lack of coastal cargo handling at Container Freight Stations. Capt Dinesh Gautama highlighted the potential of multimodal logistics paths but noted the hindrance posed by outdated laws governing coastal trade.
Capt Unmesh Abhyankar discussed the need for Indian ports to address first and last-mile logistics, align production with consumption locations, and implement inland waterways under a HAM model.
Capt Ravindra Kumar pointed out challenges such as skilled manpower shortages, the need for greener fuel solutions, and the establishment of bunkering stations for coastal vessels.
Capt Daniel Joseph emphasized the welfare of seafarers through the Sagar Samman Initiative and discussed the upcoming Maritime Single Window to streamline operations under the IMO’s Fall Convention.
This session underlined the collaborative efforts required to overcome legal, logistical, and manpower challenges, paving the way for a more efficient coastal shipping ecosystem.