The Institute of Marine Engineers (India), Cochin Branch, will organise COMARSEM (Cochin Marine Seminar) 2026 on January 29 and 30, in association with the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS).
The two-day international seminar will bring together key stakeholders from the global maritime sector, including policymakers, industry leaders, technologists, academicians and maritime professionals, providing a high-impact platform for dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Themed “Maritime India — Innovations and Collaborations,” COMARSEM 2026 will focus on the transformation of India’s maritime sector and explore strategic pathways to realise the country’s vision of emerging as a global maritime superpower.
S. Krishnankutty, Chairman of the Institute of Marine Engineers (India), Cochin Branch, said COMARSEM 2026 is envisioned as a global forum that integrates policy, technology and industry to collectively chart India’s maritime growth story in alignment with national and international aspirations.
Emphasising the importance of regulatory and policy alignment, Ajith Sukumaran, Chief Surveyor, Directorate General of Shipping, said India’s maritime sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by policy reforms, sustainability goals and rapid technological advancements. He noted that COMARSEM2026 would provide a vital platform for meaningful engagement between regulators, industry and global stakeholders to accelerate innovation and collaboration across the maritime ecosystem.
The seminar will feature focused panel discussions and technical paper presentations covering key areas such as policy frameworks and new legislations to accelerate Indian shipping and inland waterways; infrastructure development for shipping, shipbuilding, repair and ship recycling; adoption of greener technologies to meet decarbonisation targets; innovative training methodologies for skills related to alternative fuels, digitalisation, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence; development of maritime clusters to address emerging challenges indigenously; and improvements in logistics and supply chain systems to support sustainable growth.
