Maritime Matrix Today November 2023

MATRIX

First International Cruise Liner Costa Serena sets sail on her maiden domestic voyage in India

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Building Bridges: The Crucial Role 14 of Relationships in the Workplace

Implementing stringent environmental protection laws highlighted

A Comparative Brief: Indian and Filipino Seafarers

An Evening with Turkish Airlines

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TODAY

MA RI T IM E

US$ 10 • ` 350 Vol 12 • Edition 11 • November 2023

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Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023 | 03

Framo to supply suction bucket pumping systems for Ørsted’s offshore wind project in Taiwan

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he Framo Suction Pump Spread Systems will be produced at the Framo factory at Flatøy outside Bergen, Norway. Framo, in collaboration with geotechnical expertise from the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, will deploy its offshore personnel to oversee and manage the suction operation at sea. Ørsted´s 920 MW Greater Changhua 2b and 4 offshore wind projects are located 35 - 60 km from the Changhua coast in Taiwan. The delivery is scheduled for early 2025.

The technology of suction bucket foundation has secured and safely anchored platforms and offshore installations around the world for many years. “We are proud to be chosen as partner in the Greater Changhua projects”, says Hans Petter Arnesen, Area Manager Renewable Energy at Framo.

Larger wind farms are using this technology on jackets to overcome difficult and variable soil conditions, whilst gaining faster installation speed and avoidance of pile driving noise.

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Compared with installing monopiles, suction bucket technology has a more environmentally friendly footprint. Besides the increased installation speed compared to traditionally piled jackets, the concept provides for easier decommissioning. Ørsted is a global leader in offshore wind. The Danish company constructs and operates offshore wind farms in Denmark, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Taiwan, and the USA. In 2018 Framo and NGI successfully installed 20 suction bucket jackets at Ørsted’s wind farm Borkum Riffgrund 2.

“Framo pumping solutions have been critical in marine and offshore operations for more than 50 years. This order further strengthens our position in the fast-growing renewable energy market.”, says Hans Petter Arnesen.

MMT

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Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023 | 05

Maritime Past of Bharat

Odisha

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he state of Odisha on the eastern coast of India, which nation is now more often being referred to by its ancient name ‘Bharat’, has a rich maritime history dating back to the ancient times.

Odisha’s geography made it a hub for developing strong naval forces and maritime trade. While the Mauryan-era maritime activities and later Kalinga seafaring to Bali, Sumatra, Borneo (part of Indonesia now) to establish colonies are well known, there are some lesser-known accounts.

Trade with Romans: Odisha, particularly, Kalinga maintained a flourishing sea trade with Rome in the 3rd Century BC. Roman historian Pliny has made references to the trade routes to Kalinga in his writings. The exotic spices, silk, and precious gemstones were among the traded commodities.

Shipbuilding Tradition: The artists of Odisha were known for their shipbuilding skills. Villages like Manijanga have been reportedly making boats for over 800 years, with their boats being used for centuries in lake Chilka, one of the largest brackish water lakes in India.

Palm Leaf Navigation Maps: Odisha had a unique tradition of creating sea maps on palm leaves, called ‘Tala patra’, which are mostly unknown. These maps, known as ‘naksas’ were used by sailors to navigate the complex waterways. Recent studies have started rediscovering these lost navigation aids.

Maritime Rituals & Festivals: The “Bali Jatra” festival, less known outside Odisha, commemorates the departure of the ancient mariners of Kalinga to Bali and South East Asia. Another festival called “Kartika Purnima” or “Boita Bandana” events see Odisha people floating miniature boats, imitating their ancestors’ sea voyages.

Resistance to European Colonizers: Contrary to the overall submission of Indian rulers to European forces, the maritime history of Odisha recounts resistance. For example, the King of Kujang, a coastal village, had resisted British expansion in the 06 | Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023

A Tala Patra drawing from ancient Odisha area. The King, Raja Braja Kishore Ray, is celebrated as a local hero and his naval confrontations with the British are a lesser-studied facet of history.

The Budding Oceanography: The Ocean Science and Technology Cell (OSTC) in Paradip, Odisha, focuses on studying local marine biodiversity, often capturing less-known aspects of the state’s connections with the sea.

These accounts shed light on the rich and diverse maritime history of Odisha that has been somewhat lesser-known in the mainstream.

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Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023 | 07

INS Sumedha completes Second Gulf of Guinea Anti-Piracy Patrol; Furthers India’s National Interests

INS

Sumedha is on an Extended Range Operational Deployment and is currently operating in the Atlantic Ocean along the West Coast of Africa. During this period, INS Sumedha operated in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) undertaking a 31 days anti-piracy patrol. This is the second such patrol being undertaken by the Indian Navy in this crucial maritime region. The maiden GoG Anti-piracy patrol was undertaken by INS Tarkash in Sep – Oct 22. The region is critical for India’s National Interests as it is an important source for India’s energy requirements.

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Sumedha’s deployment also ensured enhancing Navy to Navy connect with regional navies including Senegal, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Angola and Namibia. The deployment was also used to further the capability of the regional partners through joint training undertaken by the ships’ crew reiterating India and Indian Navy’s focus on helping our friends and the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family).

INS Sumedha’s operational deployment to a crucial geographical region of immense relevance to India has ensured our National Interests are further bolstered.

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Chevron White Paper highlights fuel flexibility benefits of New Oil between burning natural gas, with diesel pilot fuel ignition, and up to 100 percent low sulphur fuels (<1000ppm sulphur).

The oil enables vessel operators to switch from gas to low sulphur diesel and biofuels, without the need to change lubricant. With HDAX 9700, ship operators can benefit from fuel flexibility in their four-stroke, medium speed engines.

HDAX 9700 has become the first lubricant to gain time-unrestricted approval for use with MAN Energy Solutions’ four stroke engines running on either LNG or distillate fuels (with a sulphur content of up to 0.10%).

Luc Verbeeke, Senior Staff Engineer, Chevron Marine Products

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hevron Marine Products’ new lubricating oil has a lot to offer, and this is highlighted in a White Paper that outlines how four stroke engine operators can benefit from the new lubricating oil’s versatility.

It has field service experience and is recommended for engines in vessels operating in several marine applications, such as coastal and inland marine. It is also well-suited for other commercial sectors such

Wartsila 34 dual fuel engine test cylinder

HDAX 9700 was created to provide a solution for engines that run on multiple liquid and gaseous fuels and applications that require a low sulphated ash lubricant.

It is also suitable for dual fuel marine engines as HDAX 9700 has successfully completed more than 20.000 hours of testing on a Wärtsilä dual fuel power plant.

“HDAX 9700 brings many benefits for operators of four stroke engines. We worked to develop an optimised engine oil that could be used with multiple fuels without the need to specifically match one oil to one fuel, be it diesel, natural gas, LNG, compressed natural gas (CNG) or biofuel,” said Luc Verbeeke, Senior Staff Engineer of Chevron Marine Products.

The new white paper - HDAX 9700: Enabling the future of fuel flexibility, outlines how HDAX 9700 is recommended for dual fuel, medium-speed, four stroke cycle, trunk piston engines which alternate

as railroad and power generation. These high output engines may be turbocharged and equipped with exhaust catalyst systems.

Verbeeke added, “HDAX 9700 offers advantages and options for four stroke engine operators using a variety of fuels.”

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Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023 | 11

Wärtsilä launches world-first 4-stroke engine-based ammonia solution

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echnology group Wärtsilä has introduced the marine sector’s first commercially available 4-stroke engine-based solution for ammonia fuel on 15th November. The new solution enables a significant advance in sustainable shipping operations – during a time in which ship owners are seeking viable options among green fuels. The ammonia solution is now commercially available as part of the Wärtsilä 25 engine platform, which was launched in September 2022.

Viridis Bulk Carriers, the world’s first zero emission shipping company, is intended to be the first shipowner to benefit from the new ammonia solution. The company is a partnership between Amon Maritime, Mosvolds Rederi and Navigare 12 | Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023

Logistics. Earlier this month, Wärtsilä and Viridis Bulk Carriers signed a Letter of Intent for the Wärtsilä 25 ammonia engine solution, targeting to

sign a commercial contract in early 2024. Viridis Bulk Carriers is bringing a ‘green game changer’ to the European short sea bulk market, planning a carbon free transportation service based on a series of ammonia-powered newbuild vessels.

“The maritime industry must significantly reduce its emissions if we are to succeed in reaching the goals set in the Paris agreement. The adoption of new technologies and ammonia as a carbon free fuel is central to this,” said André Risholm, Board member at Viridis Bulk Carriers. “We are delighted to partner with Wärtsilä on another important milestone for our ammonia-powered short sea bulk vessels.”

Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO of Wärtsilä said: “Wärtsilä is a leader in shaping the decarbonisation

Wärtsilä’s extensive programme to ensure future marine fuels are both viable and safe. Working in partnership with Viridis Bulk Carriers, we take the next step in our decarbonisation journey, enabling the transition to greener fuels and accelerating towards net-zero emissions shipping.”

In addition to the engine, the full solution includes an AmmoniaPac fuel gas supply system, the Wärtsilä Ammonia Release Mitigation System (WARMS), and the Wärtsilä NOx Reducer (NOR) for optimal exhaust after-treatment. Safety and efficiency are central to the solution design, maximised by a highly sophisticated automation system and maintenance agreement to ensure safe and efficient onboard operations. The safe and smooth adoption of ammonia as a new fuel for crew members is further supported by dedicated training and 24/7 global support.

“The ammonia solution is based on Wärtsilä’s wellproven LNG system, from which we have gained invaluable experience. The Wärtsilä 25 engine has been designed for easy adoption of sustainable fuels and, now, in addition to its previous capability of operating on diesel, LNG, or on gas or liquid carbon-neutral biofuels, we are proud to add ammonia to its specifications. This makes Wärtsilä 25 a thoroughly future-proof engine platform, that combines operational efficiency with environmental sustainability.” added Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä’s Marine Power business.

Sustainable ammonia is one of the leading candidates in shipping’s search for alternative clean fuels. This new Wärtsilä 25 Ammonia solution can immediately reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70 percent, compared to a similar sized diesel solution, meeting current EU targets until 2050 and even exceeding the IMO target for 2040.

of marine and energy industries. This industryleading solution is yet another flagship moment in

“This is only the beginning,” continued Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply, Wärtsilä Marine Power. “The Wärtsilä 25 is the first Wärtsilä engine to run on ammonia as a fuel, and this is an important milestone, but we do not stop here. While we are planning for additional ammonia engines in our portfolio over time, we are also committed to continue development and testing of technologies and solutions that can continue to support the industry with reducing greenhouse gas emissions even further in the future.”

MMT Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023 | 13

Building Bridges: The Crucial Role of Relationships in the Workplace “To win the marketplace you must first win the workplace”

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e as an employer, leader or an employee must have gone through this quotation several times. But did we really try to dissect the saying under a microscope and understand what actually it wants us to realize?

Good relationship is the stepping stone to success.

Hence, it is of utmost importance to nurture the relationship with care, so that the basic foundation is on a strong ground of bond and trust.

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- Doug Conant

The most important relationship in the corporate world is the one between an employer and its employee. Organizations around the world have started working on relationship building, as they now understand that it is the most important aspect for growth and prosperity of both employer and employee. As an employee chooses to be in office for a considerable part of the day, a good working relationship is the key to holding them to the workplace.

The feeling of exchanging a healthy relationship is not one sided, and needs to be nourished and respected from both the ends. When nurtured with utmost care, it can be the most important cultural practice in the organization. From the time the employee enters the organization, it is a beautiful journey of learning and achieving that starts all together. Building the relationship further strengthens it and takes the organization to a different horizon of success.

Hand holding is the most important part in a relationship, and the support and warmth given to employees transform the Boss or a Manager to a leader. When the employee and employer decide to hold each other, and pull each other through difficult situations, the relationship blossoms well and marks magnificent achievements to the organization’s success story.

It depends on the choice of the employer about the type of environment and culture they want to maintain. The choice between a formal or casual culture also depends on the type of industry the employer is operating in. For example, in a small organization, the employer and employee like to have a very comforting and warm relationship as they work in a very enclosed circle, and are connected personally, which helps them to have sound relationships with each other. On the other hand, building personal relationships in a large organization with a bigger number of employees could be difficult, but not an unmanageable task.

So here the organization needs to strategize more on the relationship building to connect the chain of employees, in order to sail through the rough storms.

Recent trends in human resources show the growing importance of a healthy relation between an employer and employee. Studies show that when both express mutual respect and focus on enhancing each other’s achievement, they end up having a very healthy relationship.

There are multiple pillars for relationship building that help in creating a strong equation: 1.Transparency: Transparency is the master for any relationship building. Maintaining any secrecy or providing a hazy picture can bring complication in any relationship. Especially in this relationship, transparency can serve as the most important building block for a solid foundation. When the duo knows each other well, they gain more trust, which is difficult to break.

2.Setting Clear Expectations: Expectation setting is one of the most important inputs that should be imbibed in the process of relationship building.

Lesser the clutter in the communication of expectations and goal setting, better it is for the relation as it is well explained and communicated.

Both employee and employer know what they are heading for and each of them are free to sort out their difficulties during the process.

3.Good Training: It is very important for the employees to get proper knowledge of what they are supposed to do and set their mindset well before they start with their roles and responsibilities.

The employee feels well prepared for the job they are trained well. The mental stability of the employee is also important so that they can meet the expectations. It is equally important for the employer to be well trained, so that they are always ready for the hand holding process and can provide the best support to their employee.

4.Flexibility: It is one more pillar to rely on while building relationships. Work-life balance is the key to get a happy employee and working on their satisfaction helps retain them for long.

In conclusion, we can say that behind a successful organization, there is not only physical and mental hard work that goes in, but beyond that, it is the relationships at work that complement the efforts put in. The alchemy of workplace relationships motivates employees, propelling both individuals and the organisation to excel in their operation.

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The Co-Authors

Ms Neetu Jaiswal Founder

Amrita Kar Associate Consultant

Nevoxel Consulting Complete HR solutions for shore-based Maritime (Recruitment, HR Advisory, Training & Coaching, Employee Wellness)

Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023 | 15

Team Matrix

Kamal Chadha Editor in Chief

Delphine Estibeiro Editorial Coordinator

Jagdamba Pandey Advertising Coordinator

Shirish Kirtane Sr Graphic Designer

RNI: MAHENG/2013/50159

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16 | Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023

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Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023 | 17

MARITIME BHARAT –

GOA

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oa, located on the west coast of India, has a rich and dynamic maritime history. Its favorable geographic positioning made it a significant center for maritime trade and naval power for successive empires.

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The Goa region has evidence of maritime activity dating back to prehistoric times, including ancient rock art that depicts sea creatures and boats.

The ancient city of Gopakapattana (now Goa) was an important center of trading activity with connections as far as Rome and the Middle East in ancient times.

The maritime history of Goa is usually divided into different periods according to the various powers that dominated the region.

Early History and the Kadamba Dynasty: The earliest records point to Goa being an active hub for

maritime trade during ancient times under the rule of the Mauryas and Satavahanas.

It is speculated that Goan merchants used to participate in sea trade with the Romans.

Later, under the Kadamba Dynasty (1050-1350 CE), Goa flourished as a critical port for exporting spices and importing horses.

Lesser-Known

Portuguese Control: A prominent period of Goa’s maritime history starts with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1510 under the leadership of Afonso de Albuquerque.

The Portuguese transformed Goa into the capital of their eastern empire. It became a bustling port city, facilitating trade between Europe and the East.

Battle of Goa, 1510 Each of these facts tell a part of Goa’s lesser-known maritime story.

The Battle of Goa (1510): This is a landmark event in Goa’s maritime history. It was a conflict between the Portuguese admiral Afonso de Albuquerque and the Bijapur sultanate, resulting in the Portuguese capturing Goa. Albuquerque established a permanent settlement marking a significant shift in the area’s maritime power.

Longest Colonial Control: Goa remained a Portuguese colony for over 450 years, making Goa the longest-held European colony in Asia.

Shipbuilding: Goa’s long history as a maritime center includes a tradition of shipbuilding that goes back centuries. The ships built here were famed for their quality and navigational capabilities.

Revolt of the Ranes: This was a series of rebellions against Portuguese rule in Goa during the mid-19th century. One of the reasons for these uprisings was the increase of water taxes by the Portuguese, highlighting the large role maritime activities played in Goa’s economy.

Legend of Dona Paula: A major tourist attraction in Goa is the Dona Paula jetty. The legend of Dona Paula involves the daughter of a Portuguese Viceroy in colonial India, Dona Paula de Menezes. She is said to have died of heartbreak and her spirit allegedly haunts the area.

Post Independence: After India gained independence in 1947, the Portuguese-held territories, including Goa, were brought under Indian control after Operation Vijay in 1961. Despite transitions of power, Goa has maintained its significance as a maritime hub and is home to an important Indian Naval base and a major port, and renowned tourist centre.

Goa’s rich maritime heritage is still visible today in the form of forts, churches, and the cultural blend of east and west abundantly evident in Goan society.

The Recovery of the ‘St. Anthony’: The St. Anthony was a Portuguese galleon that sank off the coast of Goa in the late 17th century carrying a wealth of treasure. In 1994, a team led by marine explorer Robert Marx discovered the wreck and brought to the surface a trove of historic artefacts - making it one of the most significant archaeological recoveries in India’s maritime history.

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A Comparative Brief

Indian and Filipino Seafarers

A Preferred Combination

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ndian & Filipino seafarers together form a major chunk of mariners who are employed on international merchant fleets. Often clubbed together for reasons of economy and compatibility, they appear to have become a preferred combination the world over, powering in tandem up to 27% of the world’s international fleets. However, cultural & traditional similarities and differences do prevail, and must be borne in mind to manage shared as well as national traits.

A comparative study of Indian and Filipino seafarers would involve examining a number of key aspects, including their training and education, employment and salary, skilled labour, international shipping industry, and their cultural adaptability.

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Every comparison however is a generalization, and individual seafarers may diverge widely from these general patterns. The training, skills, and experiences of seafarers can vary largely due to individual circumstances, aptitude, and opportunity.

International Share: Filipino and Indian seafarers contribute significantly to the workforce of the international shipping industry. The Philippines supplies almost a quarter of all the seafarers globally, while at 12% India is one of the prominent suppliers of seafarers in the world’s merchant navy.

Skilled Labour: Both Indian and Filipino seafarers are known for their skills and competence across positions. However, India is often credited for producing highly skilled senior officers, while the

Philippines is recognized for deck & engine ratings and junior officers.

Training & Education: The quality of maritime education is important in producing competent seafarers. India and the Philippines both have a significant number of maritime schools. However, training standards do vary. As a result the Philippines is one of the world’s largest providers of highly skilled seafarers, but India has a reputation for producing higher-ranking officers like captains and senior engineers.

Technical Knowledge: Indian seafarers are recognised for their higher technical intelligence and their leaning towards post-sea positions ashore. Filipinos on the other hand trail behind in technical knowhow and prefer longer careers at sea. This difference also leads to more Indian sea-going cadres finding their way to ships that are considered technically more sophisticated, like LNG and DP ships.

shipping with a large number of them employed on foreign vessels. Filipino seafarers often dominate in lower-ranking positions like ratings, but they might receive lower salaries compared to their Indian counterparts in officer positions. Salary is often dependent on the type of vessel and the rank of the seafarer.

Cultural Adaptability: Both Indian and Filipino seafarers have high cultural adaptability due to their long exposure to various cultures on multinational ships. However, factors such as language skills and interpersonal abilities can vary from person to person.

Besides seafaring, India and the Philippines are economic rivals in the supply of manpower for a diverse range of other industries too. Both countries are known for their manpower skills in the hospitality and Information Technology sectors globally, and both see their relatively young human resource as the life blood of their respective economies.

Employment and Salary: Both Indian and Filipino seafarers are major players in international

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Some Downsides

Filipino Seafarers

While it is important to bear in mind that negative traits should not be generalized to all individuals within a group, it’s true that in any profession, there may be some common challenges or issues faced based on cultural, social, or institutional contexts. It’s also critical to recognize that these “negative traits” can be associated with systemic and social factors such as the training or institutional environment these seafarers come from.

• Submissiveness: Filipino seafarers are often appreciated for their hard work and dedication.

However, a lesser-known negative trait may be their perceived submissiveness or lack of assertiveness when it comes to expressing concerns or issues.

Here are a few issues that have emerged in some studies regarding Indian and Filipino seafarers, although they certainly do not apply universally: Indian Seafarers • Hierarchical Structure: The Indian society traditionally follows a hierarchy, which sometimes manifests within Indian seafarers.

This may lead to a lack of collaborative decision-making on board.

• Over-Dependency: There can sometimes be an over-dependency on guidance and instructions, which might affect the development of self-reliance in critical situations.

• Relaxed Attitude: While the Filipino seafarers are often known for their light-heartedness and good hospitality, this might sometimes transform into a too relaxed attitude, which might not be suitable in certain strict and disciplined sea environments.

• Communication Gap: Some Indian seafarers may occasionally struggle with direct and fluent communication, leading to misunderstandings or miscommunications on board.

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Reinforcing commitment to sustainable operations

A

PM Terminals Pipavav creates a milestone by loading 1000th LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) rake at the port. The port commenced the LPG Rail Operations in 2021 in collaboration with Aegis VOPAK Terminals Ltd. [earlier known as Aegis Logistics Ltd.] to ensure safe and quick evacuation of LPG by rail. The port has rail sidings for LPG rake within the port and is one of the few ports in India that can accommodate the whole rake at a time.

All major PSUs (IOCL, BPCL & HPCL) use LPG Rail Handling Infrastructure Facility for efficient and faster evacuation of majority of their LPG imports at Port Pipavav.

Reflecting on this achievement, Mr Girish Aggarwal, Managing Director of APM Terminals Pipavav, stated, “Loading 1000th LPG rake at our port is a testament of our commitment to the customers to provide seamless and safe movement of LPG cargoes by

rail. Owing to the Government’s Pradhanmantri Ujjwala Yojna, strong LPG demand is envisaged.

Quick evacuation of LPG through rail would provide safe and an environment friendly alternative to the companies importing LPG. Besides, we are investing around US$ 90 million in a new liquid berth to cater to the increase in demand for liquid cargoes thereby driving economic acceleration in Gujarat and beyond. The investment will increase Port’s liquid handling capacity to 5.2 MMT.” The port recently revamped its berth to VLGC compliant to accommodate Very Large Gas carriers.

The port’s vision includes developing a dedicated VLGC-compliant LPG Berth by 2025 in partnership with Aegis Vopak Terminals Limited, solidifying its position as a vital conduit for India’s LPG imports.

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Implementing stringent environmental protection laws highlighted

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il spills pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems and shorelines due to their potential to cause habitat damage and harm to various organisms. The impact of oil contamination on wildlife can vary depending on the species, with seabirds, turtles, and marine mammals like sea otters and seals being particularly vulnerable. The use of oil fuel in ships has been a primary contributor to ocean oil pollution, which has increased with the transportation of large oil cargoes. Oil pollution can result from various sources, including oil bunkers, collisions between oil-carrying vessels, unintentional leaks, deliberate discharges to salvage a disabled ship, and other offshore marine activities.

Oil Spills Cases in India On the shores of India, oil spills are not unusual.

Aside from the well-known MV Chitra, there was another oil spill event in 2010 that involved the MV Malavika, which leaked about eight tons of oil close to Gopalpur in Orissa. Two marine incidents in 2009 raised concerns about potential oil spills in Paradip and Mangalore.

The sources of the law of liability for maritime accidents in India are: international custom, treaty law based on international conventions, decisions of the Indian courts and those of foreign countries as recognized by the Indian courts. The law relating to liability for maritime accidents has been codified by the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.

The MSA applies to every Indian ship, wherever it is, and every foreign ship while it is at a port or place in India or within the territorial waters of India or any marine areas adjacent thereto over which India has exclusive jurisdiction regarding control of marine pollution. It does not apply to warships or ships owned or operated by a state for non-commercial purposes.

The MSA by virtue of Parts IX, X, XA, XB, X C & XI A provides for a liability and insurance regime.

Part IX provides for all the rules that have to be 26 | Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023

taken care of concerning the safety of a ship in a marine adventure. Part X of the Merchant Shipping Act establishes liability based on the proportion of fault in collision and maritime accidents. Part XIA provides the mechanisms for preventing and containing oil pollution at sea Important section of MSA • Section 334 prohibits an unworthy ship to be sent into the sea thereby endangering life of any person and makes the master of the ship who knowingly takes such a ship to sea liable unless he proves that such a voyage was reasonable and justifiable under the circumstances.

• Section 286 establishes a liability regime for damage arising from non-compliance with collision regulations.

• Section 352 I (2) (b) exempt the owner from liability if pollution damage results from an act or omission with the intent to cause damage by another person.

• The Supreme Court of India, in the case of World Tanker Corporation v SNP Shipping Services Pvt Ltd., emphasized that the purpose of liability limitation is to protect ship owners from excessive claims that could surpass the value of their ship and cargo.

• Section 352 I (3) exonerate owners wholly or partially from liability if damage results from an act with intent or negligence by the damaged party.

• Section 352 I (4) hold all concerned ship owners jointly and severally liable for pollution damage if not exonerated.

• Section 352 I (6) exempt specific parties from pollution damage liability, unless the incident results from their personal act or omission with intent or recklessness.

• In addition to 352 I, under section 352J Ship owners are entitled to limit their liability for pollution damage as prescribed. 352J (2) precludes the owner from limiting liability in case of negligence.

• Section 356(O) grants the central government authority to establish rules for this part.

• Section 356(J)(1) empowers the central government to issue notices requiring parties involved to take specified actions when oil or noxious substances are escaping and causing or threatening pollution.

• Section 356(J)(2) lists the types of actions these notices can require, including preventing escape, removing substances, relocating vessels or installations, and dispersing oil slicks.

• In emergencies or grave threats, the central government can take necessary measures as per Section 356(J)(4).

• Section 356K empowers the central government to act when parties served with notices fail to comply, incurring costs or liabilities.

• Section 352I of the Act imposes strict liability on all ship owners, regardless of their nationality or the flag their vessel is flying, for oil pollution damage. This means that ship owners are held responsible for such damage without the need to prove fault or negligence.

The Merchant Shipping Act attributes liability primarily to the ship owner. Other individuals or entities, such as the master and crew, operator, or salvor, can only be held liable if they cause damage wilfully or recklessly. Importantly, the Act does not prevent claims in negligence from being made against third parties who are not among the ship members.

The act implies that the primary liability of preventing and containing the oil spill is on the owner, agent, operator and not the state.

A ship owner wants to limit their liability in case of accidents, they need to ask the High Court for permission. They can do this by either depositing the penalty in the High Court of a certain amount of money as directed by the court or providing a bank

guarantee or some other form of security that the court finds acceptable.

All ships carrying 2,000 tons or more oil in bulk as cargo are required to supply a certificate confirming liability insurance. Any certificate issued outside India by a competent authority is accepted at any port or place in India.

If a person suffering pollution damage cannot obtain full compensation under the Liability Convention, the Fund is liable as per the Fund Convention.

India follows the civil liability principle for oil pollution damage, incorporating provisions from international conventions like the CLC and Fund Convention in its Merchant Shipping Act (MSA).

However, the MSA has some shortcomings: 1. not specifying liability caps for ship owners 2. don’t cover damage to natural resources or claims from businesses dependent on the coast 3. no specific criminal liability regime for oil pollution in the MSA 4. The statutory regime doesn’t differentiate between accidental and operational oil discharges at sea 5. there’s no accession to the Bunker Convention 6. should be strengthened by imposing criminal liability on ship owners and related parties, like charterers, crew, and port authorities 7. The Coast Guard should be well equipped India should take proactive measures to prevent and respond to oil spills, learning from global incidents like the Exxon Valdez and BP oil spills, and leading in environmental protection laws. Emphasizes the need for tougher environmental protection laws.

MMT

The Co-Authors Advocate Capt Rahul Varma Founder, Ally Maritime and Legal Services and Ship Recycling Specialist

Ms Indhumati Madhvan Jr Associate Ally Maritime and Legal Services

Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023 | 27

Indian P&I Club in the Offing

A

merican Steamship, Britania, Skuld, NorthStandard, Japan Steamship, The Swedish Club, Gard etc are enjoying market shares in Shipowners P&I activities. Now India will enter soon in this sector. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is in talks with Indian National Shipowners Association (INSA) to develop a protection and indemnity insurance club (P&I club) in India, a move that will support the development of a marine insurance market in India, said insurance sector players at a Maritime India Summit.

Marine premium formed about 2 per cent of the gross domestic premium in FY20. India has been looking to put in place a P&I club for a few years now.

A P&I club is a mutual insurance association that enables risk pooling among members and provides information and representation for its members. A P& I club provides cover for open-ended risks (such as war risk, environmental damage such as oil spills and pollution) that traditional insurers are reluctant to insure. P&I clubs are structures where shipowners, operators and seafarers pool in money that can be used to help shipowners or seafarers in challenging times. These days even freight forwarders and warehouse operators are able to join P&I clubs in overseas jurisdictions.

Meanwhile the General Insurance Council is set to automate the re-insurance payment system, a first such initiative globally, making India the first country to digitise reinsurance, said Kuhu Mohapatra, DGM28 | Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023

Marine Underwriter, New India Assurance Company.

Most of the re-insurance work and processes are paper-based globally, she pointed out, adding that Singapore is making an effort in the same direction.

While India accounts for a low share of marine insurance globally, its software prowess could be used to give India the necessary leg-up in the area, pointed out IRDAI. Subhash Chandra Khuntia, Chairman, IRDAI, said that primary insurance (for marine sector) can grow if there is presence of reinsurance and called for starting a protection and indemnity club in India. He also sought support from shipowners for information sharing regarding Indian and foreign vessels and insurance pooling initiatives such as salvage association and P&I clubs. Salvage is the process of recovering cargo to area depends on the availability of ecosystem, pointed out Arti Mathur, GM, Oriental Insurance Company. Marine insurance business in India is in the range of 1.5-2 per cent, which further shrunk during the pandemic, Mathur added.

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) can be a platform for such activities, pointed out experts.

As India looks to develop a robust marine insurance sector, challenges that need to be addressed include lack of P&I clubs (for covering risks like loss of lives) and lack of claims assessment expertise, said Mohapatra.

MMT

What’s in a Ship’s Name?

I

f you thought ship’s names were all serious business, think again. In the box alongside are a few names that undeniably show a humorous bent.

Who really decides what to call their ships? Often private owners will themselves decide, tending to choose names of family members, generally starting with names of grandparents. Then on to the younger lot.

One company ran out of family members’ names, and then moved on to naming their ships after their many house-helps. Even long serving devoted employees have found their names emblazoned on a ship’s stern.

Ship & Boat names sure to tickle your funny bone • Usain Boat • Titan Uranus • Water You Lookin’ At? • The Codfather • Nacho Boat • Cirrhosis of the River • Feelin’ Nauti • Aquaholic • Yeah Buoy • Knot on Call • Hydro Therapy • Pier Pressure • Fishful Thinkin’ • Sea Señor

Larger companies may form a committee to decide on names under the guidance of the owners. Rivers, ports, cities, and trading nations are their favourite.

Ship names may often carry a prefix denoting the name of the owning carrier. Such examples are many among the top box carriers where brand equity is a big governing factor.

Companies under Government control may be guided by national or political interests. That’s where names of historical figures, freedom fighters, and national heroes figure on the ship’s bows.

Some vessel names can be just two alphabets, especially Chinese ones, and others long enough to stretch past the length of the 1st hatch, usually Indian and Russian.

Whichever name be chosen for a vessel, it has to be cleared by the port of registry as being unique to their register. That’s the reason finding a suitable name demands constant creativity, leading to some very funny choices.

Personally, the one that really gets me is the ‘Hakuna Matata’!

MMT Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023 | 29

Basics of Contemporary Ship Finance

M

erchant Navy Officers Association-Chandigarh (MNOA) and Institute of Marine Engineers (IMEI), Chandigarh Chapter in association with MRDB, IEI Kolkata organised a stimulating seminar at the Institution of Engineer Bhawan, Punjab and Chandigarh State Centre, “Sekhon” Auditorium, Madhya Marg, Sec- 19, Chandigarh- 160019. This thought-provoking seminar, attended by 35 Merchant Navy Officers, on the 27th October was delivered by Mr Jagmeet Makkar, FICS on the Basics of Contemporary Ship Finance.

It was a hybrid event where local colleagues joined in-person and networked over high tea following the seminar. In addition, many participants joined online by zoom link. The event was also telecast live on youtube.com, thanks to Marex Media.

The event was presided over by Cdr. Dr Bhaskar Bhandarkar, Vice President IMEI, and Chairman MRDB, IEI. Cdr. Bhandarkar is a strong supporter of training and education and encourages delivery of various technical seminars and events.

Jagmeet, a lifetime member of the MNOA, Chandigarh and a fellow of the IMEI is the former IME(I) Chair at the Indian Maritime University and holds number of positions, serving the industry, mostly pro bono. He is a strong believer in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and is on the Board of the WISTA Hong Kong and on the Diversity List 2017 of the Zubin Foundation, along with his wife Dr Guneet Makkar, who is also on the list.

Jagmeet logically brings together historical developments and, also updates his colleagues and 30 | Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023

participants with the most recent trends in the subject matter that he speaks about. It was a pleasure listening to him, covering the following concepts: • Need for Finance for Shipping • Ship Finance Options • Trends in Ship Finance • Impact of new financial & environment regulations on financing for ships In addition, Jagmeet talked about the ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) challenges and the regulatory landscape that almost all the stakeholders are facing, including the lenders. This further adds on to the expectations that the lenders have from the shipping investors as well as the investors have from the lenders. He also touched upon the Poseidon Principles. It was interesting to note his comment that “ESG is a concept you think about in the beginning and all throughout the life cycle of a project e.g., a ship, while the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) could be an afterthought and sometimes a limited effort, just to raise the profile of a firm.

The Author

Jagmeet Makkar, FICS

MMT

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Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023 | 31

MARITIME BHARAT –

WEST BENGAL

F

rom ancient trade routes to modern commercial shipping, West Bengal’s maritime history is a remarkable saga of transformation, reflecting the region’s vital role in the growth and development of India’s maritime sector.

West Bengal, located on the eastern bottlenose of India, has a significant maritime history dating back to ancient times. The region has long been a center of maritime trade due to its proximity to the sea and rivers, making it an easy conduit to various parts of the globe.

The ancient port cities of Tamralipta and Saptagram in West Bengal were key to India’s overseas trade, with evidence of maritime links with Southeast Asia, Rome, and China. Seafaring merchants, known as Sadhabas, embarked on expeditions to Bali, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and Sri Lanka, which led to rich exchange of cultural and intellectual ideas.

Tamralipta, also known as Tamluk, was a significant port city in ancient and early medieval India. Located in the current Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, Tamralipta was along the Bay of Bengal and was a significant intersection for maritime trade with Southeast Asia. It’s mentioned in various early Indian scripts and texts, like Mahabharata and Jataka tales, where its importance as a prosperous trade center is highlighted.

Saptagram was another crucial port and commercial center known for its marketplace during the middleages. Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, it was at one point the most important port in Bengal.

It was especially noteworthy for its trade in cotton and silk textiles, saltpeter, and grains.

Before the British colonial period, the city of Saptagram had seven flourishing markets, hence the name - “Seven Villages.” The city gradually lost its commercial importance due to the shift of the Hooghly river’s course. Consequently, the port was shifted to Haldia, and Saptagram, once a prosperous city, is today a collection of small villages.

Both cities played considerable roles in the ancient and medieval maritime trade of the region and 32 | Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023

Tamralipta in West Bengal was a significant port city in ancient and early medieval India shaped the cultural and economic landscape of their time.

In the colonial era, after the establishment of the East India Company, the region’s maritime history underwent a major transformation. Calcutta (now Kolkata), the capital of British India, became a crucial port and shipbuilding center.

In the post-independence era, West Bengal’s maritime sector continues to thrive with Haldia and Kolkata ports playing significant roles in India’s shipping industry. They are key to trade, but they also bear witness to centuries of maritime history in the region.

MMT

Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023 | 33

An Evening with Turkish Airlines A

TPI India and Turkish Airlines hosted a joint product presentation to an august gathering of Senior Marine Fraternity at the Courtyard by Marriott in Mumbai on Friday the 27th October.

ATPI India re-introduced their sustainability product, ATPI Halo, with a new look and a comprehensive carbon emissions reporting. ATPI Halo now offers 17 sustainable development goals (SDG’s) adopted by UN member states as the 2030 action plan for people, planet and prosperity.

Turkish Airlines presented their young fleet of aircrafts, and their unsurpassed network covering 129 countries across the globe. Their new and very popular airport, their brilliant business class product, and being Europe’s favourite airline featured in their interesting presentation.

Presented under the aegis of ATPI, the event was attended by the Turkish Airlines Sales Team, comprising Mr Farhad Kuka - Sales Manager, Ms Sonia - Senior Sales, and Mr Imran - Senior Sales.

The ATPI contingent was led by their MD, Capt. Nitin Hardi, Mr Bharat Mehrotra Branch Head Delhi and their Client Relations and Operations Managers.

2 lucky winners won free return tickets to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines.

The pictorial gallery alongside offers exciting views of the evening.

MMT

34 | Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023

Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023 | 35

O

n 3rd November, Honourable Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal along with Mr Francesco Raffa, Director Asia Region & Growth Markets, Costa Cruises & Ms Nalini Gupta, Lotus Aero Enterprises, GSA of Costa Cruises, and other senior officials flagged off the maiden domestic voyage of Costa Serena in India.

The Italian flagged ship, Costa Serena starting 4 November until 11 January 2024 is set to home port in Mumbai operating on a newly created program of 2,3,5 nights itineraries from Mumbai and Kochi, Goa and the beautiful Island of Agatti in Lakshadweep.

On board Costa Serena guests will enjoy a wide range of international-style experiences, enriched with the Italian warm hospitality that has characterized Costa for 75 years of history. A local touch will also be featured: in particular, gastronomy and entertainment will be tailored to the tastes of Indian guests.

The last itinerary celebrating the completion of its India program will also explore the spectacular Maldives.

Costa Serena sailings in India are ideal for both families and couples. The cruises are also a great option for wedding ceremonies, groups, and corporate incentive travel, thanks to the ship being able to offer reserved areas and services.

Mr Sonowal stated, “We are offering our full support to the cruise line to home port their ships at Indian ports. We are ready to support further development of our port infrastructure to accommodate large cruise ships. It is a moment of pride for us that when the Mumbai Port completes 150 years, we have Costa coming back to offer domestic cruising options to Indian travellers.”

Mr Raffa said, “We are extremely happy to sail again in India where we’ve been operating since 2016. We are bringing to our Indian guests authentic Italian hospitality with a local personalization in terms of food and entertainment.

India is an important market for Costa,

36 | Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023

both for our established Fly&Cruise programs to Dubai and the Mediterranean and our newly introduced local operations sailing domestically.

We are grateful to the Indian government for the efforts to support the domestic tourism and on infrastructures development. India is working to develop the cruise industry and we are excited to sail together towards the vision of the Indian government.”

Ms Gupta added “I am happy that Costa is back to the Indian shores with dedicated domestic itineraries after a temporary pause. We are looking forward to a great season ahead. With Costa there will be the opportunity of easily accessible cruises with just their Aadhaar card. It will give Indian guests the opportunity to discover the country’s most beautiful locations from a unique point of view. Indians will be able to easily access an experience of vacationing right from home without the hassle of visas, and flights while still getting that international holiday experience with the Indian touch.”

Costa Serena has a total of 1500 cabins, 505 of which have private balconies, and 14 passenger decks. To make the most of their cruise on board, guests can choose from a wellness centre and a gym with a sea view, a beauty salon, a theatre, restaurants serving Indian and international cuisine, bars, 4 swimming pools, 2 of which have self-propelled glass roofs, a shopping area, and a kids’ club for children and teenagers.

MMT

Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023 | 37

38 | Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023

The human touch Keeping it real Our operational expertise in India is gained from over 35 years of answering the call for quality shipping and logistics services globally. We see every client as an individual and every job as unique - and we respond with quality, expertise, compliance as well as respect for you and the environment. gac.com/india

For enquiries, contact us at india@gac.com GAC Shipping (India) Private Limited Main office GAC House, P.B. No. 515, Subramanian Road, Willingdon Island, Cochin 682 003, India T: +91 484 266 8372 CIN: U63090KL1983PTC003733

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Maritime Matrix Today | November 2023 | 39

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