WHY SEAFARERS MATTER?
(and will continue to matter for the foreseeable future)
Seafarers are the unsung heroes of the global economy, braving the vast oceans to ensure the smooth operation of maritime trade. Their dedication, resilience, and sacrifices often go unnoticed, yet their contributions are indispensable to our modern way of life.
On the International Day of the Seafarer, observed every 25th of June, it is crucial to honour and recognize the vital role that seafarers play in facilitating international trade, ensuring the delivery of goods and commodities, and connecting nations across the seas. Without seafarers, the flow of essential goods such as food, fuel, medicine, clothing, and electronics would come to a standstill, impacting economies and livelihoods worldwide.
Seafarers endure long periods away from their families, facing unpredictable weather conditions, demanding schedules, and isolation at sea. Their commitment to their work is unwavering, as they navigate through rough waters and challenging circumstances to transport goods across continents. Their dedication to duty is a testament to their professionalism and resilience in the face of adversity.
Moreover, seafarers serve as ambassadors of goodwill, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding as they interact with diverse communities in ports worldwide. Their role transcends mere transportation of goods; they are the bridge that connects nations, cultures, and economies, promoting cooperation and unity across borders.
In an era of globalization, the importance of seafarers is more pronounced than ever. As international trade continues to grow, the demand for efficient and reliable maritime transportation escalates, underscoring the critical need for skilled and dedicated seafarers to navigate the intricate web of global supply chains.
Looking ahead, seafarers will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of international trade and commerce. As technological advancements revolutionize the maritime industry, seafarers will adapt to new challenges and opportunities, leveraging innovation to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability at sea.
As the world grapples with evolving environmental concerns and the imperative to achieve sustainable
development goals, seafarers will be at the forefront of efforts to promote eco-friendly practices and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. Their stewardship of the oceans and commitment to environmental conservation will be instrumental in fostering a more sustainable and responsible maritime sector.
So seafarers matter, and will continue to matter for the foreseeable future, as their invaluable contributions underpin the functioning of the global economy and drive international trade forward!
On this International Day of the Seafarer, let us all pause to honour and salute the brave men and women who navigate the seas, embodying the spirit of resilience, professionalism, and dedication that characterizes the noble profession of seafaring.
MHS Founders Day
India - Middle EastEurope Economic Corridor: Historical Perspectives & Future Implications
The Maritime History Society conducted the 46th Annual Founder’s Day Seminar on 13 June at Agastya Auditorium, INHS Asvini, Colaba.
The India – Middle East – European Corridor (IMEC) announced recently by GoI, is an inheritor of the long legacy of the Indian – Middle East –Mediterranean trade connections that transcends millennia. Set against this milieu, a seminar was held on the theme of ‘India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor: Historical Perspectives and
Future Implications’. The seminar focused on bringing out trade connections from ancient times to the present and attempted to predict the future implications of this initiative.
Director, MHS opened the proceedings with an Introductory Address, which traced the contribution and activities of the Society towards promoting maritime consciousness. It also set the context for the seminar, enunciating the need for scholarly discussions on the subject.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof Upinder Singh, Ashoka University. She emphasised the long and vibrant tradition of Indian maritime trade and connections, which involved movement of raw materials, commodities, religion, artefacts and ideas along the maritime routes. She also touched upon aspects of competition and conflict involved in the Indian Ocean trade.
Guest speakers at the event, Prof Vasileios Syros, Prof Ranabir Chakravarti and Capt Raghavendra Mishra (Retd) conversed on various related topics.
In his talk, Prof Syros, Chair of Excellence in IndoHellenic Strategic Thought & Statecraft at the Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies, United Service Institution of India (USI), identified ancient precedents of the IMEC by revisiting India’s role as a major trading hub in the ancient world and how it contributed to cross-cultural encounters, dissemination of philosophical ideas, scientific learning, and shaping of civilisations. Prof Chakravarti, former Professor of Ancient History at the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University brought out the aspects relating to the Arab dominance in the Indian Ocean Region followed by the arrival of the colonial powers in the region and the impact of these events on the trading networks. Thereafter, Capt Raghavendra Mishra (Retd), former Directing Staff, Naval War College, deliberated on the proposed architecture of the IMEC and its economic, diplomatic and strategic implications. The talks and the subsequent audience interaction was moderated by Commodore Srikant B Kesnur, VSM, PhD (Retd), former Director, Maritime Warfare Centre, Mumbai who highlighted the lessons learnt to bring out an actionable prescription for a robust IMEC architecture.
The guest invitees were later felicitated by the Chief Guest, VICE Adm Sanjay J Singh, AVSM, NM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.
The seminar was attended by a diverse audience comprising Naval personnel, historians, students, and maritime enthusiasts, and was very well received.
The recording of the talk will be posted on the Maritime History Society’s social media handles soon.
MMT
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Delhivery most preferred 3PL partner for earlystage D2C brands
Delhivery, India’s leading integrated logistics services provider, has been named the most preferred partner for early-stage direct-toconsumer (D2C) brands, according to a recent industry report by Redseer Strategy Consultants.
The report highlights the crucial role of third-party logistics (3PL) providers in the meteoric rise of India’s D2C market.
It emphasizes Delhivery’s standout position as a key partner for early-stage D2C brands seeking exceptional customer experience and a comprehensive logistics solution. This goes beyond just shipping, offering features like realtime tracking, efficient returns management, wide delivery reach, and easy integration with online marketplaces. On top of that, Delhivery prioritizes
customer experience with a user-friendly interface, helpful support, and on-time deliveries.
“Among 3PL providers, while both Delhivery and Bluedart stand out on overall metrics,” says Redseer, “Delhivery has outperformed in providing superior customer experience and features, as it provides a full-stack solution.”
The report highlights the remarkable growth of D2C brands in India, surpassing traditional retail markets. While annual D2C shipments have skyrocketed from 0.1 billion in 2019 to 0.6 billion in 2023, estimates indicate the market could reach USD 2.2-2.7 billion by 2028, growing at 35-40% year-on-year from 2023 to 2028.
Redseer’s report underscores the critical role of 3PL providers in fueling this D2C boom. By offering customized, end-to-end logistics solutions –including warehousing, inventory management, shipment intelligence, and transportation – 3PLs empower young brands to bypass the need for substantial upfront investment in logistics infrastructure. Early-stage D2C brands are now partnering directly with 3PL service providers due to their customized solutions approach, instead of relying only on aggregators. 3PLs, in turn, are innovating to cater to the evolving needs of these new-age brands.
“Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are integral to the value chain of new-age D2C brands. They are continuously innovating to address the unique needs of these brands, fostering partnerships from the early stages of the brand journey,” said Kanishka Mohan, Partner, Redseer Strategy Consultants.
Within the 3PL logistics landscape, Redseer has highlighted factors like brand and customer experience, and operational efficiencies that are important for new-age brands when choosing their preferred partners. While both Delhivery and Bluedart stand out on overall metrics, Delhivery has outperformed in providing superior customer experience and features, as it provides a full-stack solution.
Wärtsilä propulsion solutions expected to deliver 5% fuel savings
Technology group Wärtsilä today announced it will supply its EnergoFlow and EnergoProFin propulsion solutions to four medium range (“MR”) tankers in the International Seaways (NYSE: INSW) fleet. The devices will be used to upgrade the ships’ existing Wärtsilä controllable pitch propeller system resulting in an estimated five percent (5%) in fuel savings. These will be the first Ice Class 1A FS vessels to be fitted with the EnergoFlow solution. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1 2024.
By reducing the fuel consumption of these existing MR tankers, INSW will strengthen its actions towards decarbonised operations and continue to meet their Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) requirements. The propeller upgrading project followed a detailed engineering study to optimise existing propulsion systems.
“Our company is committed to reducing its CO2 emissions in line with the IMO’s targets. We’re excited about our partnership with Wärtsilä to install these devices as we continue on our sustainability journey,” says Michael LaGrassa, Director of New Construction and Performance at INSW.
EnergoFlow is an innovative pre-swirl stator that creates an optimal inflow for the propeller, reducing fuel consumption and emissions in all operating conditions. The EnergoProFin is an energy saving propeller cap with fins that rotate together with the propeller. It reduces the energy losses created by the propeller hub vortex, increasing overall propulsion efficiency and significantly reducing underwater noise.
“As a company dedicated to supporting the marine industry’s decarbonisation efforts, we are delighted to cooperate with International Seaways in improving the fuel efficiency of these four vessels. The Wärtsilä systems selected will not only meet and exceed the minimum required CII rating and IMO targets, but will also improve the ships’ asset resell market value,” comments Jan Othman, Vice President of Project Services, Wärtsilä Marine.
The four 47k DWT vessels to be fitted with the Wärtsilä solutions are the ‘Seaways Galle’, the ‘Seaways Gatun’, the ‘Seaways Hercules’, and the ‘Seaways Huron’. The refitting installations will be planned to coincide with each vessel’s drydock schedule, starting in the summer of 2024.
World Fuel Services strengthens commitment to industry collaboration with key CIMAC appointment
World Fuel Services (World Fuel) announces that John Stirling, the company’s Director, Marine Technical, has accepted a key position at CIMAC, the International Council on Power, Drives and Propulsion. He will take over the vacant position of Secretary of CIMAC’s WG7 working group. The association has recently refocused from providing a technical forum for conventional diesel engine expertise, to include all new types of energy, and is now a fully pledged alternative energy association, covering innovation and best practices in power, drives and propulsion. World Fuel is committed to fostering collaboration to drive development and sustainability throughout the marine industry, and this appointment further emphasizes this commitment.
For more than 20 years, the World Fuel Services marine technical team has had representation in a number of key industry working groups. This involvement has been and remains central to the company’s support for the marine sector’s technical needs, including the transition to a more sustainable future, by reducing emissions and fostering a cleaner and greener industry with diverse fuel strategies.
“At World Fuel, we are dedicated to using our Marine Technical experience to help develop and improve quality and sustainability standards in both our processes and today’s evolving market. By working closely with influential industry associations, we can support the
important transition taking place throughout the marine sector,” said John Stirling. “We believe the cultivation of collaboration among industry players is central to navigating the path to a highquality fuel market, and a greener shipping industry. Knowledge can be proactively shared, thereby promoting best practices in not only bunker fuel operations, but also energy and emissions management. This is critical as new fuels and fuel specifications enter the market. I am delighted to accept this important role at CIMAC and use all my experience to support both the industry and CIMAC transition.”
The Marine Technical unit of World Fuel also participates as a member in various work groups and specialized Sub Groups at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Other marine industry associations where World Fuel are members include the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), a leading authority on the safe and environmentally friendly transport of oil, petrochemicals and gas; the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA); ISSC – solutions for sustainable and deforestation-free supply chains; and the European Waste-based and Advanced Biofuels Association (EWABA). The company is also represented on the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) members platform, contributing to the development of guidance for sustainable marine fuels.
The technical team, through its participation in the above groups and associations, also supports the increasingly complex emission regulation discussions ongoing at both the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and the EU (European Union).
World Fuel Services serves the global marine industry with high quality fuel and technical support services, ensuring that the right fuel is available wherever and whenever needed.
MMT
John Stirling Director, Marine Technical, World Fuel Services
DP World Launches Cochin Economic Zone
DP World, a leading global provider of smart end-to-end supply chain solutions commenced operations of its Cochin Economic Zone. Strategically located within Cochin port premise of Vallarpadam terminal, it is Kerala’s first free trade
warehousing zone (FTWZ) and the third DP World Economic Zone in India.
DP World Cochin Economic Zone significantly enhances Cochin Port’s capabilities as it is the first transshipment terminal in India, a preferred gateway to the south. This 75,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art facility seamlessly integrates with DP World’s strategic multimodal logistics network, facilitating efficient connections across India and global markets. In the heart of Cochin’s bustling port activity, DP World Economic Zone marks a significant leap in its commitment to pioneering trade solutions. With 67 value-added services seamlessly integrated, businesses gain unparalleled advantages for their supply chain operations.
Speaking about Kerala’s first Free Trade Warehousing Zone, Ranjit Ray, Senior Vice President - Economic Zones Middle East, North Africa, and Subcontinent, said,“We are happy to unveil the DP World Cochin Economic Zone, an innovative model located within the port premises, setting a new benchmark among economic zones in India. Our aim in establishing economic zones is to enhance global trade opportunities by streamlining supply chains, resulting in cost savings and seamless connectivity. Our integrated solution in Cochin provides value-added services, linking ports to the wider supply chain through multimodal connectivity. At DP World, our dedicated team works tirelessly to create bespoke warehousing and logistics facilities, committed to delivering value and an enhanced experience. This facility will not only support EXIM-oriented businesses but also open doors for global companies to enter the Indian market.”
DP World Cochin Economic Zone enjoys excellent connectivity via three National Highways: NH 66 to Mumbai, NH 544 to Salem and Coimbatore, and NH 85 to Rameswaram via Madurai. Additionally, it offers convenient rail access within the port premises, with Ernakulam Junction (South) and Ernakulam Town (North) railway stations just 5-7 kilometers away. With Cochin airport located approximately 35 kilometers from the facility, businesses operating within economic zone benefit from enhanced accessibility and connectivity.
Operating within the framework of the SEZ Act, DP World’s Cochin Economic Zone presents substantial advantages for enterprises engaged in import, export, and trading activities within India. DP world FTWZ facilitates seamless and convenient re-export processes,
providing unparalleled flexibility and efficiency in trade operations. It also provides regulatory advantages such as permission for unit setup without having a registered entity in India, duty-free deferment for importers, thereby enhancing ease of doing business. DP World Cochin Economic Zone is poised to become a pivotal hub for trade and commerce, offering unparalleled synergies and connectivity to Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and beyond. The integration of DP World Cochin terminal with the new economic zone makes Cochin a world-class trading ecosystem, for now and the future.
In addition to Cochin, DP World has established two more Economic Zones in India, the Nhava Sheva Business Park (NSBP) in Mumbai and the Integrated Chennai Business Park (ICBP) in Chennai, offering 1 million and 600,000 square feet, respectively. These zones provide customers with a competitive advantage and customized warehousing solution.
MMT
From Homemaker to Asia’s First and World’s Third Lady Average Adjuster
Ms Leena Mody was born in 1963, graduated in 1983, and became a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of India in 1990. In 2002, she qualified as Fellow Member of Association of Average Adjusters, UK (AAA) being the first woman on the East of the Suez Canal to pass the exams. She is the first Asian woman and third in the world to break the glass ceiling in the Association’s over 150-years history. Currently, Leena is the only lady in the world practising as an independent Average Adjuster and has travelled places delivering talks on her profession. She started her career in 1993 as Trainee Adjuster with JB Boda and now heads Leena Mody & Associates, which she set up in 2012.
She is an avid reader, enjoys cooking and gardening, loves spending time with her 8-yearold grandson and travelling around the world to learn about different cultures. Her primary interests include Nature Cure, Homoeopathy, Ayurveda, and Holistic Healing.
Her husband is a Senior Advisor to the promoters of Rohan Lifescapes, a leading real estate group. Her daughter, who is married, is a lawyer, as is her husband.
In a spectacular conversation with Ms Delphine Estibeiro of Marex Media, Leena discusses
her struggle to become a qualified Average Adjuster from the UK Association and her passion for the profession.
Outset
After completing my Fellowship from the Insurance Institute of India, I was looking for a challenging career in insurance, as I never wanted to work in the public sector insurance companies. Accordingly, in 1992, I was planning to take exams of Institute of Risk Management, London, and simultaneously get trained with the Mafatlal Group’s Insurance Dept.
Meanwhile, Mr Chandrakannt Sheth, CEO of JB Boda Group, introduced me to a new profession known as ‘Average Adjusting’ and Ms Leena Mody
offered to train me for the exams conducted by AAA of UK. Average Adjusters deal with claims on ships and cargo and prepare a report recommending a claim on Hull/Cargo Underwriters, which is referred as ‘Statement of Average Adjustment’. The Average Adjusting Department at Boda’s was headed by Mr. Ravindra Sankalia, who was around 67 years and wanted to retire. Mr. Sankalia was trying to mentor a male employee to train for the AAA exams, unfortunately, he was not able to clear the exams. Hence, Mr. Sheth thought about me as he had known me since my childhood and, how I like challenges. I will always be grateful to Mr. Sankalia for being my Mentor for the exams, Guide and Guru. Mr. Sankalia had passed the exams of the US Association, however, from 1985 onwards, anybody other than US citizen is not permitted to take the exams. He passed away peacefully in January, 2020 and will always be remembered for his contribution in the Marine Industry. Thus, it was mandatory to pass the UK exams, if I was to pursue Average Adjusting as a career because without qualification, I cannot sign the Average Adjustment Report. On perusing the exam course material given by Mr Sankalia, I found the subject of Marine Hull Claims, extremely fascinating, and agreed to the offer of getting trained as an Average Adjuster in 1993. I was the first female employee in the Boda Group and remained so for 13 years !! I was quite young, enthusiastic and passionate, and took a great leap having no idea of the nuances and intricacies involved in taking the examination. Male colleagues in Boda anticipated that being a woman, I will quit soon and, in their opinion, my enthusiasm was analogous to the fizz of the soda bottle, which dies down soon after opening up.
There were various challenges in passing the UK exams – (i) Exams held once a year only in London; (ii) Non-modular format of exams consisting of four theoretical papers (135 marks of 2½ hrs. each), practical paper (5 hrs.) and a viva; (iii) No title/ subject of the papers and included any questions from the entire gamut of marine claims, such as, general average/ collision/salvage/particular average, etc.; (iv) The question paper to be returned after every exam and there were no past papers for reference; and (v) All papers alongwith viva to be cleared in one sitting, with 75% average marks verified by three examiners.
Progression
When I joined as a Trainee Adjuster, Boda Group had a Joint Venture with ER Lindley, which provided
a platform for training in London. The male trainee adjuster of the dept. despite receiving training at Lindley’s, was not successful in passing the exams in 1993 and 1996. In 1997, ER Lindley got merged with Richards Hogg and became Richards Hogg Lindley, due to which the training facilities were no longer available to me.
In 1998, AAA carried out following reforms in the examination – (i) Modular format i.e. each paper had a title/subject and included questions only on that topic.; (ii) Exams consisted of three papers each for Associate and Fellowship level, of which, five were theoretical and one practical. The viva was deleted from the new format.; (iii) Candidate was permitted to pass one or more module at a time and was not required to sit again for the module that he had passed.; (iv) Conduct exams in centres other than London.
No changes were made with regard to – (i) Exams to be held once a year.; and (ii) Marks, time and 75% as pass for each module. In 1999, I got an opportunity to sit for the first modular style exams conducted by AAA in Mumbai under the offices of British Deputy High Commission.
Accomplishment
In 2000, I qualified the Associate level exams by passing three modules and, in 2002, passed the remaining modules to become a Fellow Member of the Association of Average Adjusters, UK. I was the First Woman East of Suez Canal and Third in the World to pass the UK exams. At this time, I was the only practising female Fellow Member of the UK Association, as out of the two of my predecessors, one had passed away, and the other had retired.
The most difficult experience of the exam was clearing the module of General Average and COGSA, which I passed on the third attempt. In the second attempt for this module in 2001, the examiners gave me 99 marks out of 134 i.e. almost 74% but, I was declared ‘Fail’. I took this as a challenge and in the last attempt, all the three examiners, as well as, an umpire appointed specially for reviewing the results had allotted average of 86% marks and, I was finally declared ‘Pass’. The struggle for 1% or equivalent 1.3 marks for which I was declared ‘Fail’ took me an additional year of training to qualify as a Fellow Member.
Challenges
Shipping is a male bastion and the biggest challenge before me is to convince the tenacious Seamen
or Shipowner on the point of view of an Average Adjuster in handling Marine Hull Claims. Very often, it is a task to clarify the basis of apportionment of loss recommended in our report to the strongminded Underwriters and their Surveyors, especially those who are not well conversant with the terms and conditions of the Marine Hull Policy. This reminds me of an interesting incident of grounding of a vessel at Tarapur where the tidal change is about 5 mtrs. and so was the draft of the vessel. In order to refloat the vessel, fuel was supplied by head loaders in jerry cans during the low tide period. The Underwriter’s Surveyor whilst approving the cost had deducted scrap value of jerry cans, unaware that cost of transporting the jerry cans to the shore far exceeded its scrap value.
In discharge of the onerous duties of an Average Adjuster, I acquired knowledge through reading and research on wide range of subjects – law, technical aspects of operating a ship, trade and commerce of shipping business. Besides this, the job also required capacity for juggling with figures equalling with a Chartered Accountant or a Banker, which in any case I had inherited from my Father who was the Chief Accountant in Boda Group. Further, experience of maritime affairs, modernisation of ships, conventions, etc., is equally necessary for logical discrimination in adjusting claims. The
process of acquiring knowledge is ongoing and it should never end. I am grateful to the maritime fraternity in the Boda Group and others whom I have come across in my career.
I remember one such episode in my early days of learning at a seminar in 1994 at NIA, Pune, when Capt. Divekar was explaining on parts of the ship, and being unaware of what a ship is comprised of, I foolishly asked on the difference between a ‘bollard’ and ‘bulwark’. Even today the inquisitive mind is still not satiated and, would question the mercantile community on the veracity of facts presented. Machinery damage claims generally throws new challenges before an Adjuster. It is an art to differentiate claims covered and not payable under the hull policy and, in most instance, I am intuitive in smelling a fraud or claims which are not legitimate. When I am presented with claims arising from crew negligence, lack of owner’s due diligence, peril of the seas, fire onboard a vessel, normal v. extraordinary wear & tear, lack of maintenance, etc., I get motivated to recommend only those claims covered under the policy terms & conditions and substantiate/justify it with prevalent law and practice. This generally involves lot of digging into the history and evolvement of law & practice. Very often, we act as mediators and arbitrate with multiple parties involved, especially in a General
Average/Salvage/Collision cases. This is evident from the fact that very few Adjustments drawn by the Adjusters end up in the Court of Law.
The Adjuster is appointed by the Shipowners in majority of cases of damages to ship and/or cargo. The Underwriter pay our fees as it forms part of the claim. Whilst preparing an Average Adjustment Report or Statement of Average Adjustment, we ensure that the Shipowner recovers all to what he is entitled under the policy terms and conditions, at the same time, Underwriters do not pay anything more than what they are liable for. As an independent Average Adjuster, reports are prepared in all fairness/dispassionately recommending claims without any fear or favour.
Scope for women or anyone to enter this career
Today, there are 44 Fellow Members of AAA, of which, 6 are ladies. We have recently witnessed some candidates qualifying from Asia, viz. Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The profession has seen a slow and definite paradigm shift from it being altogether a male bastion to females entering this career and qualifying. Also, the supremacy of the profession from the West is gradually seen to be transferring to the East.
Currently, about 90% of international trade totalling to more than $3 trillion in volume is taking place by water i.e. ocean, sea, inland waterways, etc. We are also seeing tremendous increase in size of container ships, about 24,000 TEUs. Losses do occur at sea either due to man-made errors, such as, collision, negligent navigation, etc., or caused by natural calamities like storm, typhoon, cyclone, or hurricane. From my experience, most of the losses or damages to ship are unavoidable events, even though modern ships may seemingly be more efficient. Technology may simplify some processes but, collapse of the same, or cyber-attack can lead to humongous losses. Recent case of MV. ‘Dali’ colliding with Baltimore bridge is a classic example of this. So, there is enormous potential for young blood to be trained as Average Adjusters.
India needs its own P&I Club & IMEC
Historically, when it comes to maritime insurance, we go to London, it being the mother market. The majority of P&I groups are based in the European market. There will always be a need for every nation, not only India, to be self-sufficient in all aspects, more so, to meet the needs of everexpanding trade and commerce. An Indian P&I
Club may initially assist the coastal shipping and, later on, may encompass ocean going vessels. This should assist in situations, such as, sanctions, when it became difficult to obtain P&I cover for vessels plying in the war inflicted areas, as was experienced during the Iran-Iraq and, later UkraineRussia war.
Indian shipping will benefit greatly from the upcoming India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), which may provide a great alternative to the Suez Canal route. Besides this, ‘Ever Given’ incident had brought to the forefront issue of an alternative trade route due to temporary stoppage of trade, supremacy of the Suez Canal Authorities, technical and commercial feasibility of salvage operations, legal obligations/rights and duties of parties involved, etc.
Message to younger generations
I have found Average Adjusting a very fascinating career. The work involves no monotony and always stimulates the mind to look for newer avenues for solutions. In the last 32 years of my practice as Average Adjuster, I’ve worked with hundreds of different types of damages to the ship/cargo and, surprisingly, have not come across any case identical to the other. This works as an elixir and keeps me moving.
The gestation period of training in this profession can at times become annoying to the dynamic younger generation, whose goal is to climb up the ladder fast. But, I promise that this profession will not let you down, though a lot of patience is necessary to become and Average Adjuster. It’s simply hard work, perseverance and single-minded focus that is required to pass the exams of AAA, UK.
If I, as a homemaker can accomplish it, so can anyone else.
WinGD, Alfa Laval, ABS and K Shipbuilding join forces for
ammoniafuelled tanker design
Swiss marine power company WinGD, Swedish marine technology leader Alfa Laval and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) will work with Korean shipbuilder K Shipbuilding (KSB) on the
Onsite at Posidonia for the signing, left to right, Stefano Bottino, Global Sales Manager, Fuel Supply Systems, Alfa Laval; Sameer Kalra, President, Marine Division Alfa Laval; Marcel Ott, GM Application & Technical Sales, WinGD; Volkmar Galke, Director Sales, WinGD; Rudolf Holtbecker, Director Customer Support, WinGD
Sebastian Hensel Vice President R&D, WinGD
development of an ammoniafuelled MR tanker design, under a memorandum of understanding signed in April. The design will feature a 6X52DF-A engine from WinGD.
WinGD will work with KSB to deliver fuel gas system specifications suitable for the vessel application and the selected engine, while Alfa Laval will deliver the detailed documentation for the final fuel gas system design. The design will be reviewed by ABS, with the aim of issuing an approval in principle.
WinGD Vice President R&D, Sebastian Hensel said: “After early orders for bulk carriers and ammonia carriers, it is encouraging to see that ammonia-fuelled tanker projects are picking up momentum. And even more encouraging that our X DF A engines are at the heart of many of these projects. Developing full vessel designs that shipowners can adopt easily will only accelerate the transition and we are pleased to be part of the collaboration with KSB in delivering this design.”
Head of Marine Separation & Fuel Supply Systems, Viktor Friberg, Alfa Laval said: “This MOU signifies a powerful step forward to make ammonia a viable marine fuel. Our proven expertise in handling diverse fuel types, especially methanol and LPG, will be instrumental in designing the new fuel supply system for ammonia. We believe that partnerships are key for the maritime industry to achieve the ambitious decarbonization targets and support the fuel transition. By working alongside WinGD, ABS and K Shipbuilding, we accelerate this transition and make it safer.”
The X52DF A engine is the smallest bore size available in WinGD’s ammonia-fuelled X DF A series, and the first to be developed. It is expected to have wide application across bulk carriers, tankers and ammonia carriers, and has already been ordered for two ammonia
carriers to be delivered in early 2026. The X52DF A is also the engine design on which four class societies to date, including ABS, have issued approvals in principle for the X DF A series, assuring shipowners that the engine can be deployed in operation safely.
JDPs and other cooperations have been a cornerstone of WinGD’s ammonia engine developments, with several industry partnerships focused on vessel designs and crew training – supporting both the deployment of ammonia-fuelled engines and the preparedness of the maritime industry to operate them safely.
MMT
World’s first largescale 100% hydrogenready engine power plant launched
Technology group Wärtsilä has today launched the world’s first large-scale 100% hydrogenready engine power plant, to enable the netzero power systems of tomorrow.
The IEA World Energy Outlook 2023 shows that hydrogen is an essential component of our future power systems. According to the report, the pathway to reach net zero emissions by 2050 requires 17 Mt of hydrogen to be consumed in power generation in 2030, reaching 51 Mt by 2050.
The deployment of renewables worldwide is set to double by the end of this decade, creating the right conditions for excess clean electricity to be used for production of hydrogen-based, carbon neutral fuels, and for enabling 100% renewable power systems.
Scaling up renewables alone, however, is not enough to reach global net zero targets. Flexible power generation solutions, like engine power
plants, are needed to balance fluctuating renewable energy sources. It is crucial that these solutions are futureproof and ready to run on sustainable fuels to fully decarbonise the energy sector.
Wärtsilä is addressing this need through its new hydrogen-ready engine power plant, which can be converted to run on 100% hydrogen. The new engine power plant is a significant step beyond existing technology, which can run on natural gas and 25 vol% hydrogen blends.
Anders Lindberg, President, Wärtsilä Energy, said: “We will not meet global climate goals or fully decarbonise our power systems without flexible, zero-carbon power generation, which can quickly ramp up and down to support intermittent wind and solar.
“We must be realistic that natural gas will play a part in our power systems for years to come. Our fuel flexible engines can use natural gas today to provide flexibility and balancing, enabling renewable power to thrive. They can then be converted to run on hydrogen when it becomes readily available: future-proofing the journey to net zero.
“This is a major milestone for us as a company, and the energy transition more generally, as our hydrogen-ready engines will enable the 100% renewable power systems of tomorrow.”
The Wärtsilä 31 engine platform, which the hydrogen-ready power plant is based on, is the most efficient in the world. It synchronises with the grid within 30 seconds from start command, ensures energy security through fuel flexibility and offers unparalleled load following capabilities and high part load efficiency. It has completed more than 1 million running hours, with over 1,000 MW installed capacity globally.
Wärtsilä’s 100% hydrogen-ready engine power plant concept based on the Wärtsilä 31 engine platform has been certified by TÜV SÜD, demonstrating a commitment to quality and safety. TÜV SÜD’s H2Readiness certification consists of three stages with three corresponding certificates. Wärtsilä has now achieved the first stage with a Concept Certificate for the conceptual design of its engine power plant. The 100% hydrogen-ready engine is expected to be available for orders in 2025, and available for delivery from 2026.
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India’s 12 Major Ports Observe 4.45% Cargo
Volume Growth in FY24
India’s Ports and Shipping sector has been on a remarkable upswing lately. Whether it’s the external trade, expanding ports’ capacity, or the 7,517 kilometers of coastline dotted with over 200 ports, the growth has been undeniable. And recently, the performance of the 12 major ports under the Union government’s ownership saw an uptick in cargo handling. In FY24,
Pushpank Kaushik, CEO of Jassper Shipping
these ports collectively managed a staggering 819.227 million tonnes (mt) of cargo, marking a 4.45 percent increase from the previous year’s 784.305 mt. With India’s ports handling approximately 95% of the nation’s international trade volume, this surge in growth signals a new era of efficiency for the industry.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, major ports collectively handled 12.310 million TEUs, up 8.06% from FY23’s 11.392 million TEUs. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority led the way by managing 6.43 million TEUs, over half of the total volume. Petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) cargo increased 5.06% to 245.990 mt from the previous year’s 234.137 mt. Iron ore shipments surged 32.68% to 61.031 mt, raw fertilizer shipments rose 13.56% to 9.406 mt, and coking coal and other coal movements increased 10.24% to 64.939 mt. Moreover, Paradip Port Authority led cargo handling among major ports, reaching 145.379 mt in FY24, up 7.40% from the previous year’s 135.362 mt.
Maritime transport flourishes alongside global economic expansion and trade, as well as through national initiatives and developments. Pushpank Kaushik, CEO of Jassper Shipping, underscores the pivotal factors enhancing port capabilities and propelling industry growth:
Infrastructural Development - India’s infrastructural development significantly boosts port operations. Specialized terminals like ICTT in Cochin and LNG in Dahej Port optimize resources and enhance efficiency. The Sagarmala project aims at port-led development until 2035, streamlining cargo handling and transport for cost-effective logistics. Coastal states witness road connectivity projects along with 55 rail projects and 15 road projects enhancing port connectivity.
Technology Advancements - Indian ports, including the Kolkata Dock System (KDS), have seen significant improvements with the implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based Port Access Control Systems (PACS). This technology enhances security and streamlines operations. The installation of AIS base stations and VHF radios has further boosted port efficiency. Additionally, upgraded systems like the ‘Port Community System’ (PCS), along with ‘Direct Port Delivery’ and ‘Direct Port Entry’, have simplified data flow and operational processes, making business easier at ports.
Policy Reforms - Private ports benefit from price flexibility, as the government permits non-major ports to set their own tariffs with State Maritime Boards’ input. Project UNNATI, launched by the Indian government, seeks to improve operations at key ports. The National
Logistics Portal (Marine) links logistics stakeholders, boosting efficiency and transparency while cutting costs and delays through IT integration. This portal covers all transport modes, providing seamless end-to-end logistics services and streamlining port operations. Additionally, under the Sagarmala Programme, 166 projects are underway at major ports, with 90 completed, adding over 230 million tonnes per annum in port capacity.
Public Private Partnerships - India has around 200 nonmajor ports, which are increasingly handling a larger share of the country’s port traffic. In FY23, non-major ports contributed 45% to the total port traffic. As part of the Sagarmala Programme, 45 projects have been planned for these non-major ports. Out of these, 31 projects are being implemented through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) with a total investment of Rs. 45,973 crore (US$ 5.54 billion).
Pushpank Kaushik further highlights, “The Maritime Industry’s growth is a testament to the groundwork laid by India’s infrastructure development, its ports, and the various initiatives facilitating smoother trade. This, in turn, translates into streamlined operations and a bolstered global trade landscape. The industry’s continuous expansion mirrors India’s strides in technological advancements and other efforts aimed at enhancing port efficiency, a pivotal aspect of international trade. As the industry flourishes, it underscores India’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for trade and economic progress.”
Furthermore, India is set to invest $82 billion in port projects by 2035, aiming for a brighter future. Six new mega ports are in the pipeline under the National Perspective Plan for Sagarmala. Additionally, a project exceeding $96.48 million is underway to upgrade Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, enhancing operational efficiency and global competitiveness through berth reconstruction and mechanization. The government’s focus is also on integrating solar and wind-based power systems across key ports, with a goal of surpassing 60% renewable energy consumption by 2030, divided into three phases. MMT
Panama Canal Increases Vessel Transit as Water Levels Rise
Pratik Bijlani
The Panama Canal Authority plans to raise the number of vessels permitted to pass the canal from 22 to 34 per day by July 22, approaching its pre-drought capacity of 38 vessels. This decision comes as water levels in the canal rise, relieving some of the burden from a severe drought that had previously limited canal traffic.
The drought, which began last year and lasted through the typically dry season of December to mid-April, had a severe impact on Panama Canal operations. During the 2023-24 El Niño phase, Panama’s rainfall patterns were affected by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), resulting in less precipitation. As a result, the canal operated at only 60% of its typical traffic capacity, allowing only 22 vessels to cross each day. The crisis threatens to disrupt global trade worth $270 billion per year.
During the drought, shippers encountered severe obstacles, including lengthy wait times that exceeded two weeks. Many others were forced to pay exorbitant prices to bypass the backlog, which added millions of dollars to shipping costs. The canal’s ability to precisely control water resources was critical in avoiding a worsening shipping problem.
Recent consistent rainfall has progressively raised water levels, allowing the Panama Canal Authority to cut vessel wait times to less than two days. This improvement has benefited worldwide shipping because the canal is a crucial crossing for international commerce routes.
The proposed increase to 34 vessels per day equals 90% of the canal’s full capacity and marks a significant step towards normalising operations. The canal’s ability to adapt and properly manage water supplies emphasises its importance in ensuring global commercial movement. As conditions improve, the Panama Canal Authority remains dedicated to increasing transit capacity and maintaining smooth passage for the numerous vessels that rely on this essential waterway.
Charting the Future of Maritime Excellence
AMET University, a pioneer in maritime education in India, has established the Dr. J Ramachandran Maritime Foundation to promote maritime excellence. They’ve announced the AMET Global Maritime Summit 2024 (AGMS 2024) and the AMET Global Maritime Awards (AGMA-2024). This important yearly event will be held on July 2, 2024, at the Anna Centenary Library Auditorium in Kotturpuram, Chennai, India.
Summit highlights: AGMS 2024 is a prominent international conference focused on developing marine excellence and innovation. The event will include enlightening panel discussions, technical seminars, and keynote talks from prominent marine industry experts. AGMS 2024 will be held this year with the topic “Charting the Future of Maritime Excellence”.
Keynote Speakers and Distinguished Guests:
Dr. J Ramachandran, the Founder-Chancellor of AMET University, will preside over the occasion. Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, has agreed to be the Chief Guest and will deliver the inaugural address. Dr. Rajesh Ramachandran, Pro-Chancellor of AMET University and Chairman of the Dr. J. Ramachandran Maritime Foundation, will deliver a special address. Prof. Adam Weintrit, DSc (Eng), FRIN, FNI, MM, Chair of the International Association of Maritime Universities
(IAMU) in Japan and Rector of the Gdynia Maritime Academy in Poland, will deliver the Guest of Honour address. The entire event is being organised by Col. Dr. G. Thiruvasagam, Pro-Chancellor (Academics) of AMET University and Member-Secretary of the Dr. J Ramachandran Maritime Foundation, with coordination from Dr Deepa Rajesh, Vice President (Academics) as Convener for AGMA 2024 and Dr Sangeetha Albin, Additional Registrar as Convener for AGMS 2024. Prof. Dr V Rajendran, Vice Chancellor of AMET University, will deliver the felicitation address.
Technical Sessions and Panel Discussions:
The summit will include a number of technical seminars and panel discussions on vital marine issues. The event will feature two panel discussions. Panel Discussion 1 will be on the theme “Bridging the Gap between STCW Amendments for Resilient Seafaring” moderated by Capt. Arun Mehta, Managing Director, OSM Thome, Mumbai, India and featuring the panellists comprising industry experts Ms. Sonali Banerjee, Marine Surveyor at Indian Register of Shipping, Capt. Ashutosh Apandkar, Principal, Training Ship “Rahaman”, Capt. Ajay Gangadharan, Captain Superintendent, Maritime Foundation, and Capt. Man Mohan Saggi, Director, Narottam Morarjee Institute of Shipping and TM Harbour Services Pvt Ltd.
Panel Discussion 2 is themed with Climate Change and Futuristic Technologies for Maritime Resilience, which is being moderated by Capt. Karan Kochhar,
Managing Director, Maersk and will have Capt. (Dr.) Sartaj Gill, Chief Strategist & Advisor, Singapore, Mr. Sunil Kumar, CTO & Head-T&A, The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd, Dr. Sanjay Bhavnani, Director & C.O.O., MMS Maritime (India) Pvt. Ltd, and Capt. K. Karthik, Principal, AMET Institute of Science and Technology, as panellists.
There will be an interactive and interesting Fireside Chat with industry experts. Capt Arvind Shankar, Manager, Maersk Fleet Management and Technology India and Capt Sundeep Inkurthy, Founder and CEO, SMARTSEAS.AI, Singapore.
Aside from these, more than 40 research and lead articles will be presented by industry professionals and academicians during concurrent technical sessions organised around four themes: Maritime Education and Training, Maritime Technology Innovations, Maritime Management Strategies, and Maritime Sustainability, which will be chaired and co-chaired by leading academicians and shipping industry experts respectively.
Valedictory Ceremony & AGMA Awards 2024: The valedictory ceremony and the spectacular AGMA 2024 Award Presenting Ceremony will take place between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM. Notable prizes include the Maritime Leadership Award, the Maritime Excellence Award, and the Maritime Innovation Award. A Jury Council of seasoned Industry Professionals and Academicians, led by Prof. Adam Weintrit, Chair of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU), Japan, and Rector of Gdynia Maritime Academy, Poland, scrutinised and selected the Awardees through a rigorous selection process in all three categories, and the winners will be announced at the event.
The celebration will feature speeches by eminent visitors, including H.E. Mr. Haymandoyal Dillum, CSK,
High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius, who will also give the awards to the recipients, as well as acceptance speeches by the recipients. Notably, for the first time, Ms. Nynne Norman Scheuer, Senior Director, Head of Marine People & Culture, A.P. MollerMaersk, Denmark, will receive the Founder-Chancellor Nomination Award in the Maritime Leadership category. She will deliver the Acceptance Speech at the AGMA 2024 Award Presentation Ceremony. Dr. J Ramachandran, Founder-Chancellor of AMET University, will offer a Commendation Address as a visionary directive for the future of maritime excellence.
The Organizers
AMET University, India’s foremost maritime education institution, has been dedicated to offering worldclass maritime education and training for over 30 years. The Dr. J. Ramachandran marine Foundation, the organisation behind AGMS 2024 and AGMA 2024, is dedicated to fostering marine excellence and innovation. As a prime choice for human resources and intellectual contributions from shipping industry titans, AMET has emerged as a Global Maritime Knowledge Hub. The university has undertaken the enormous job of gathering leading personalities from the shipping industry and distinguished marine academics under one roof for a single day.
This event will provide vital insights into current trends, future problems, and emerging possibilities, promoting marine excellence on a global scale.
Mark your calendars for July 2, 2024, when one of the most important worldwide marine events will take place.
DP World Chennai Economic Zone Achieves IGBC Platinum Certification
DPWorld, a leading global provider of smart end-to-end supply chain solutions, has received the Platinum certification from Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for its Chennai Economic Zone. This is the second one in quick succession for DP World Economic Zones in India. Earlier this year, DP World Nhava Sheva Business Park became the first free trade zone to receive Platinum certification under the IGBC logistics parks and warehousing rating system.
The IGBC rating systems recognize outstanding green design, construction, and operations, with the Platinum rating being the highest standard internationally.
DP World has built the state-of-the-art Free Trade Warehouse Zone (FTWZ) in Chennai near three key ports – Kattupalli, Ennore, and Chennai. The warehouses at DP World’s Chennai Economic Zone feature charging points for electric vehicles (EV) and a 1 MW capacity solar panel installation, aligned with globally recognized environmentally responsible practices which will fulfil ~40% of FTWZ’s power requirement. The facility is spread over six hundred thousand square feet with a potential to grow to 2 million square feet and is designed as per global standards and Green Building Certification requirements.
Commenting on the achievement, Ranjit Ray, Senior Vice President - Economic Zones, Middle East, North Africa, and Subcontinent said, “We are honored to receive the IGBC Platinum Certification for the second time. This achievement reflects our commitment to sustainable practices and
excellence in our operations. I am proud of our team for their dedication and hard work in maintaining high environmental standards. Their efforts continue to drive our success and set new benchmarks for our industry.”
The economic zone caters to several sectors, including auto, electronics, IT, telecom, healthcare, chemicals, and petrochemicals by providing them with a strategic base in the Indian subcontinent with direct links to Far East, South-East Asia, and Australia. Situated closer to DP World Chennai terminal, the Chennai Economic Zone embraces DP World’s ‘One Port, One Zone’ approach, bolstering India’s competitive position in global trade.
MMT
Heart & Soul
Capt Nitin Hardi
On May 31, ATPI and our national carrier, Air India, held a combined product presentation in Mumbai, followed by cocktails and dinner. ATPI India’s marine and corporate clients were the “heart and soul” of the evening, representing the event brilliantly.
Capt Nitin Hardi, Managing Director, ATPI India, thanked the guests for choosing to spend their Friday evening with his team. The Air India team, led by Mr Achin Arora, delivered an excellent presentation on the carrier’s future ambitions, including fleet and route expansion.
The presentation was followed by an exciting lucky draw with two bumper prize winners. The guests were invited to announce the winners’ names. There was foot-tapping music, delicious cuisine, and people danced their way through an amazing evening.
MMT
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