Mumbai, 01 October 2024 – In a groundbreaking initiative to foster sustainable growth in maritime transport, Lloyd’s Register (LR) has partnered with the Directorate General of Shipping, India, to set up the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT). This collaboration is set to transform Mumbai’s Maritime Training Institute (MTI) into a hub of excellence, focusing on innovative and sustainable maritime practices.

The centre will align with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Technologies Cooperation Centre (MTCC) network, establishing Mumbai as a focal point for maritime research and innovation in India and the wider South Asian region. By prioritizing sustainability, digital innovation, and technical cooperation, IOCE-SMarT will advance maritime transport, contributing to India’s ambitions of international maritime leadership.

Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, India’s Director General of Shipping, emphasized the significance of the centre: “The IOCE-SMarT will ensure that the South Asian region, led by India, becomes a leader in Sustainable Maritime Transportation Initiatives, building maritime capacity across the Indian Ocean Region.”

Ambrish Bansal, Sr. VP, Consulting, Lloyd’s Register, expressed excitement about the centre's role in spearheading sustainable maritime growth: “This initiative bridges gaps in research, technology, and industry partnerships across the region, positioning India at the forefront of global maritime sustainability.”

Through collaborative efforts, Lloyd’s Register will assist with strategic planning, infrastructure development, and integration with the IMO’s MTCC network, ensuring that IOCE-SMarT becomes a regional leader in maritime innovation and sustainability.