The Institute of Marine Engineers, Vizag branch, presented their Global Maritime Seminar called “Glomars 2019” at the Taj Gateway Hotel on 16th Of August 2019. It got off to a great start with marine engineers from all over the world gracing the occasion.
It was a singular privilege for the gathering to have as Chief Guest of the occasion, Shri Amitabh Kumar, IRS, Director General of Shipping, India.
People on the dais included luminaries from the field and top corporate honchos.
on the dias from left: Sri V. Lakshmipati Rao, Convener, GLomars 2019, Sri CV Subba Rao, President, IME, India, Rear Admiral LV Sarat Babu, CMD of Hindustan Shipyard , Chief Guest Sri. Amitabh Kumar, IRS, Director General of Shipping, Mumbai, Sri S Satyanarayana Murty, Surveyor, MMD, Vizag, Chairman, Glomars, Sri PL Haranadh, IRTS, Dy. Chairman, VPT, Sri Rajesh Tripathi, MD, Dredging Corporation of India, Sri Prasad Rao, Pro VC, Andhra University, Sri N. Sambasiva Rao, IPS ( Retd. ), CEO, Gangavaram Port, Sri C.Sriramamurthy, Chairman , IMEI, Vizag branch.
Glomars 2019, an event conducted every 4 years by the Institute of Marine Engineers India Vizag branch ended 17th August 2019 evening at the Gateway Hotel. Its focus was to disseminate information on the latest trends, innovations, rules and regulations both for academic value and practical utility.
The participants included major PSU’s and Institutions such as DCI, VPT, HSL, Andhra University, Gangavaram Port, Kakinada Sea Ports Limited, Ocean Sparkle Ltd, Seven Islands Shipping Ltd., Lloyds Register Asia and IR Class besides many others.
More than 20 papers were presented by the participants on different subjects and moderated by illustrious luminaries from the field. It ended with the presentation of souvenirs and mementoes to all present.
The Keynote address was delivered by Sri C. R. Dash, Country Head, Lloyds Register of Shipping, Mumbai. Ten Technical sessions comprising of 20 technical papers, were presented on 16th and 17th. Finally, the plenary session summarised the technical event. The Valedictory function summarised as below.
1. For India to emerge as a global maritime power the focus areas would be:
- Trade promotion
- Port-based development
- Technological innovation
- Thought-leadership in policy-making forums such as the IMO
2. Under ‘a and b’ above, the speakers in the inaugural session and subsequent presenters dwelt on Sagarmala, port modernisation, and improvement of port-hinterland logistics and connectivity.
3. Immediate areas of concern that need attention from the industry, research organisations, universities –
- Decarbonisation – measures to check CO2 emissions by 2025
- Digitisation – move towards integrated, multi-user, digital shipping and use of big data and analytics
4. The conference addressed a number of issues and opportunities involving technological innovation:
- Ports and administration have initiated a number of measures to meet with current regulations such as the MARPOL requirements for reception facilities.
- Design development of Polar Vessels.
- Noise monitoring and reduction at the ship design stage.
- Use of torsional vibration for monitoring condition of rotating machinery.
5. For building competencies for enhancing employment opportunities for Indian seafarers who will eventually emerge as industry leaders – it is vital to constantly upgrade our Maritime Education & Training methods and facilities.
6. For India to emerge as a global maritime power the focus areas would be:
- Trade promotion
- Port-based development
- Technological innovation
- Thought-leadership in policy-making forums such as the IMO
7. Under ‘a and b’ above, the speakers in the inaugural session and subsequent presenters dwelt on Sagarmala, port modernisation, and improvement of port-hinterland logistics and connectivity.
8. Immediate areas of concern that need attention from the industry, research organisations, universities –
- Decarbonisation – measures to check CO2 emissions by 2025.
- Digitisation – move towards integrated, multi-user, digital shipping and use of big data and analytics.
9. The conference addressed a number of issues and opportunities involving technological innovation:
- Ports and administration have initiated a number of measures to meet with current regulations such as the MARPOL requirements for reception facilities.
- Design development of Polar Vessels.
- Noise monitoring and reduction at the ship design stage.
- Use of torsional vibration for monitoring condition of rotating machinery.
10. For building competencies for enhancing employment opportunities for Indian seafarers who will eventually emerge as industry leaders – it is vital to constantly upgrade our Maritime Education & Training methods and facilities.
- On such critical area that demands involvement of our MET institutions and trainers is effective use of Engine Room Simulators and Computer Based Training.
- Our trainers need to collectively enhance their pedagogy and share their learning through structured means and designated platforms led by institutions of higher education such as IMU. IMEI can also play vital role in this area.
- Instead of being passive users of newer technologies, our METs should take the lead in the developmental process of digital platforms such as ERS and CBT.
11. As India’s foremost professional body for promotion and dissemination of knowledge in the field of marine engineering IMEI has a significant role to play in the development of our nation into a global maritime power.