In a significant move to enhance India’s role in shaping global maritime sustainability policies, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has signed an Institutional Support Agreement with the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) (IME(I)) to establish an Institutional Support Unit for India’s engagement with the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and other sub-committees of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The partnership aims to strengthen India’s technical and policy engagement at the IMO by providing comprehensive technical, legal and analytical support for the country’s submissions, interventions and negotiations on key maritime issues.
The Institutional Support Unit will focus on critical areas including maritime decarbonisation, alternative marine fuels, greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures, lifecycle assessment methodologies and other sustainability-related initiatives under the IMO framework. It will also facilitate coordination among government agencies, industry stakeholders and technical experts to support evidence-based policymaking.
The collaboration is expected to enhance India’s capacity to actively contribute to the development of international maritime regulations while safeguarding national interests and supporting the country’s long-term maritime energy transition goals.
The agreement represents another important milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen its leadership in global maritime governance and reinforce its commitment to sustainable shipping, green maritime technologies and international climate objectives. By leveraging the expertise of IME(I), DGMA aims to ensure more robust and informed participation in IMO deliberations as the global shipping industry accelerates its transition towards decarbonisation and net-zero emissions.