The center will operate within the Maritime Training Institute (MTI) and will be integrated into the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) global Maritime Technologies Cooperation Centre (MTCC) network.
The IOCE-SMarT aims to promote technological innovation, sustainability, and digital capabilities in the maritime industry across India and South Asia. It is part of India’s broader goal to strengthen its position as a leader in the global maritime sector.
Lloyd’s Register will play a key role in assisting India’s Directorate General of Shipping with strategic planning and the development of a framework for the center. This will include conducting needs assessments, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with regional maritime goals. LR will also help to develop the institutional setup, infrastructure, and financial planning necessary for the project, alongside creating a detailed implementation roadmap.
The MTI’s location in Mumbai, with its established infrastructure and proximity to key maritime organizations, positions it as an ideal location for the IOCE-SMarT. The center is expected to enhance maritime capacity-building initiatives across the Indian Ocean region, with India taking the lead in collaboration with BIMSTEC partners.
India’s Director General of Shipping, Shri Shyam Jagannathan, emphasized that the center will be a key player in advancing sustainable maritime transportation in South Asia. Ambrish Bansal, Senior VP of Consulting at Lloyd’s Register, added that the project aims to foster regional collaboration on maritime research, technological innovation, and industry partnerships, leveraging LR’s extensive experience in the sector.
Photo: Ambrish Bansal – Sr. VP, Consulting, Lloyd’s Register