The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has announced that it is creating the India Maritime Centre (IMC), a key effort under the Maritime India Vision 2030.
In this line, recently a meeting was chaired by the Shri TK Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW in the presence of the Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary of Sagarmala, along with representatives from key maritime associations such as SAI, FFFAI, INSA, IPPTA, CSLA, CFSAI, and IPA.
During this meeting they finalised the constitution, procedures, documentation, and necessary infrastructure for the IMC’s operationalisation.
The IMC’s mission is to create a united platform for the Indian maritime sector, serving as a think tank for policy development and industry recommendations.
Its primary goals include strengthening India’s participation in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and global maritime forums.
The Secretary of MoPSW said: “The IMC will serve as a central platform for collaboration, innovation, and policy advocacy, ensuring sustainable growth and enhancing India’s position in the global maritime community. MoPSW is committed to make the IMC a world-class institution that drives the future of India’s maritime industry.”
The Task Force for the IMC was formed in January 2024 and divided into subgroups focused on Awareness and Outreach, Infrastructure and Operationalisation, and Procedure and Documentation.
For Infrastructure and Operationalisation, Mumbai, Maharashtra has been finalised as the location for the IMC.
A building at the IMU Campus in need of renovation has been identified, and space has been requested from SCI at the MTI Campus, Powai (2,000 square feet proposed), with in-principle approval provided by SCI. Discussions regarding furnishing requirements with SCI are ongoing, and the preparation of an organogram is in progress.
In June, the Indian Union Cabinet authorised the establishment of a major port in Vadhavan, near Dahanu in Maharashtra, India.