Celebrating National Maritime Day with Fleet Management Limited

National Maritime Day is a moment to showcase the maritime sector’s immense contributions to the Indian economy, creating value, jobs, and opportunity.
The occasion commemorates the historic maiden voyage of S. S. Loyalty, the first Indian merchant navy vessel, which sailed from Mumbai to London in 1919. It represents India’s entry into international shipping trade and its growth into a maritime powerhouse.
already contributes to 95% of trade by volume and 68% of trade by value. The central government has established ambitious initiatives to grow the maritime sector further. The US$3 billion Maritime Development Fund is supporting sectors such as shipbuilding, modernising infrastructure, and advancing seafarer training and development. Meanwhile, the Sagarmala programme is harnessing the potential of India’s 7,517 km coastline and waterways through coordinated efforts.
India’s maritime sector needs impactful collaboration between all stakeholders to realise its full potential. Businesses have a critical role to play in realising the Maritime India Vision 2030 goals, by boosting investment to drive economic development and creating job opportunities.
Career creation
As one of the largest national employers of seafarers, Fleet Management Limited is contributing its expertise in talent development and operational excellence to support the industry’s sustainable development.
Fleet Management opened its first office in Mumbai in 1995, and India has grown into its largest market for seafarers. It currently operates offices in 10 cities across India which employ many shore-based professionals and cater to over 20,000 Indian seafarers.
As the industry grows and transforms, one thing remains constant—the need for skilled maritime professionals to keep global trade moving. This is why Fleet Management is focusing on talent and training, especially at a time when decarbonisation and digitalisation are increasing the complexity of the skills that maritime professionals need to succeed.
Fleet Management established the Fleet Management Training Institute to drive innovation in training. Facilities such as the newly implemented virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) labs provide hands-on and simulator-based training for crews on various operations, including dual-fuel engines and bunkering.
Collaborating with engine manufacturers and industry partners, the specialised training ensures that teams stay updated with the latest advancements in alternative fuels. Nationwide, the company’s regional offices host seminars and training for Indian seafarers, focusing on safety, upskilling, and welfare.
In recent years, the industry has made important strides in supporting seafarers' wellbeing, but there is still more to do. Ship owners and ship managers are working together to improve connectivity and facilities on ships, such as gyms, and this must remain a core focus in current and future ship operations. Recognising that a crucial element of seafarer safety is their mental wellbeing and happiness, Fleet Management established a ‘Fleet Care’ team to promote the welfare of seafarers and their families. It actively partners with clients and industry groups to strengthen and grow best practices across the industry.

Further investment is needed in the future talent pipeline. In March 2025, Dr Harry S. Banga and Angad Banga of (the parent company of Fleet Management Limited) acquired the International Maritime Institute, India’s premier maritime academy, in Noida. This investment in the not-for-profit segment reinforces the Group’s commitment to providing quality-first maritime education, expanding career pathways for aspiring cadets and marine engineers.
The International Maritime Institute prepares cadets for the challenges of the modern shipping industry. This is especially critical at a time when the industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with digitalisation, automation, and sustainability reshaping the way ships are operated.
A sustainable look at the future
Green shipping is a core pillar of Maritime India Vision 2030, and Fleet Management is advancing efforts towards a net-zero future by operating vessels that use alternative fuels such as methanol, LNG, and LPG, and engaging in biofuel trials, placing a strong emphasis on safety measures and crew training. A collective effort is essential to achieve net-zero operations, while adhering to tightening regulations and adopting energy-efficient practices and optimised voyages.
Tapping technology
is researching and deploying cutting-edge technology to protect seafarers, vessels, and the maritime ecosystem. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) holds great potential to improve maritime safety, but it is critical that it is implemented safely.
Despite strict regulations and improved training, human error remains a leading cause of maritime incidents. AI can help to enhance safety by predicting risks and automating critical processes – supporting human expertise rather than replacing it. Fleet Management is pursuing innovations such as AI-powered CCTV and video analytics to detect unsafe practices and equipment issues for timely intervention, safer route planning that optimises navigation by considering weather, traffic, and risk zones, and predictive maintenance to anticipate equipment failures and improve vessel reliability.

The future and beyond
Indian maritime is poised for remarkable growth and transformation. The industry must continue a relentless focus on improving seafarer welfare, operational excellence, and meaningful collaboration with stakeholders to achieve India’s maritime goals.
Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Fleet Management Ltd by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.