Lloyd’s Register (LR) is working in partnership with the Government of India’s Directorate General of Shipping to create the new Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT). The initiative enhances the existing Maritime Training Institute (MTI) in Mumbai, and will, LR says, transform it into a hub of maritime excellence in partnership with the IMO’s global Maritime Technologies Cooperation Centre (MTCC) network.
IOCE-SMarT aims to benefit the maritime sector in India and South Asia through technological innovation, sustainable practices, digital proficiency and technical cooperation . LR will assist the regulatory authority with strategic planning, including needs assessment, stakeholder consultation, strategic alignment and the development of institutional frameworks.
LR says MTI’s location, physical infrastructure, expertise and government support combine to make it an ideal candidate for transformation into a Centre of Excellence. Ambrish Bansal, Senior Vice President, Consulting, added: “This initiative will bridge a gap by establishing a holistic hub of maritime excellence across research, technology innovation and industry partnerships, bringing a synergy of capabilities across the region. LR will leverage years of experience in the maritime sector and global networks to make this successful.”