The Cochin Marine Seminar (COMARSEM), the flagship event of the Institute of Marine Engineers of India (IMEI), was inaugurated in Kochi, marking another milestone in its three-decade legacy in the maritime sector. COMARSEM 2026 is being hosted in collaboration with the Directorate General of Shipping, reflecting growing engagement between the maritime industry and policymakers.
Themed “Maritime India — Innovations and Collaborations”, the seminar has brought together policymakers, industry leaders, technologists, academicians and maritime professionals from India and abroad to deliberate on challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sector, as India seeks to strengthen its position as a global maritime hub.
Delivering the inaugural address virtually, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said the event comes at a critical juncture as the government works towards positioning India among the world’s leading shipping nations in shipbuilding and ship ownership by Amrit Kaal 2047.
“Shipping is a strategic sector in today’s highly unpredictable geopolitical environment. Shipbuilding, as a mother industry, has immense potential to generate large-scale employment while strengthening the national economy. At the same time, growth must be sustainable, with protection of the marine environment and safe living conditions for future generations,” he said in a media statement.
The minister noted that while India’s maritime ambitions pose challenges, they also create opportunities for innovation, collaboration and high-value business solutions. He underlined the role of platforms such as COMARSEM in bringing together industry, policymakers and investors to address key issues, including the green transition in shipping.
Highlighting recent policy initiatives, Sonowal referred to measures such as the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy 2.0, the Ship Recycling Credit Policy, the Maritime Development Fund and incentives for brownfield and greenfield expansions, aimed at building a robust ecosystem for the sector. He also acknowledged the global acceptance of Indian seafarers and commended IMEI’s contribution to training marine engineers.
The event opened with a welcome address by Sajan P John, Chairman, IMEI Kochi Branch. The keynote address was delivered virtually by R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The inaugural session also featured addresses by senior industry leaders, including Madhu S. Nair, Cochin Shipyard Limited; Ajith Kumar Sukumaran, Cochin Port Authority Chairperson B. Kasiviswanathan; P. K. Mishra, Managing Director, Indian Register of Shipping; and Kaushik Seal, President, IMEI.
COMARSEM 2026 is expected to serve as a key forum for dialogue on policy, technology and sustainability, supporting India’s long-term maritime ambitions under the Amrit Kaal vision.
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