Lloyd’s Register (LR) has partnered with the Government of India’s Directorate General of Shipping for the creation of the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT).
The initiative enhances the Maritime Training Institute (MTI) in Mumbai, transforming it into a hub of maritime excellence in partnership with the IMO’s global Maritime Technologies Cooperation Centre (MTCC) network.
The IOCE-SMarT aims to advance the maritime sector in India and South Asia through technological innovation, sustainable practices, digital proficiency, and technical cooperation.
Aligned with India’s aspiration for international maritime leadership, IOCE-SMarT will facilitate a holistic hub of maritime excellence across research, technology, and industry partnerships to benefit the entire region.
Using its experience as a trusted adviser and its capabilities on regional maritime policy, LR will assist the regulatory authority with strategic planning, including needs assessment, stakeholder consultation, strategic alignment, and institutional framework development.
Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, India’s Director General of Shipping, announced that the IOCE-SMaRT will be a pioneering center in South Asia, positioning India and its BIMSTEC partners as leaders in Sustainable Maritime Transportation. The center aims to enhance maritime capacity building across the Indian Ocean region.
Ambrish Bansal, Senior VP at Lloyd’s Register, emphasized that the center aligns with the region’s goal to lead global sustainable maritime growth. It will serve as a hub for maritime research, technology, and industry collaboration, combining regional expertise and global networks for success.
LR will help develop service channels through collaboration with IMO, integration with the MTCC Network, and detailing initiatives for IOCE-SMarT. LR will also support institutional setup, infrastructure development, financial planning, and provide a detailed project report and implementation roadmap.
MTI’s location, physical infrastructure, expertise, and government support collectively position it as an ideal candidate for transformation into a Centre of Excellence. It provides close access to maritime organisations and activities, while facilitating seamless movement through Mumbai’s well developed transportation network.
