132nd session of IMO | 16 Jul 2024

The Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways participated in the 132nd session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.

India, as an elected member of the IMO Council for countries with a large interest in international seaborne trade, highlighted the pressing issue of seafarer abandonment.
- Seafarers are people who work on ships or people who travel regularly on the sea.
India secured its position as one of the eight governments representing IMO in the Joint Tripartite Working Group, dedicated to addressing seafarers' issues and the human element in maritime operations.
- Other proposed members are the Philippines, Thailand, Liberia, Panama, Greece, the US, and France.
Concerns over disruptions in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and adjoining areas, which have been impacting shipping and trade logistics were also addressed.
India reiterated its proposal for the South Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (SACE-SMarT).
- This regional hub aims to transform the maritime sector in India and South Asia into a technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and digitally proficient industry.
- The centre will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fostering technical cooperation, capacity-building, and digital transition.