New Delhi: India has taken a firm stand on maritime safety and gender inclusivity at the 134th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, held in London from July 7 to July 11, 2025. Led by T.K. Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Indian delegation delivered a powerful statement addressing critical safety concerns in global container shipping operations, particularly in Indian waters. The statement highlighted recent maritime incidents involving foreign-flagged container vessels, urging the IMO to undertake a comprehensive investigation and global review of such incidents to strengthen international safety protocols. Additionally, India showcased its commitment to gender equality in the maritime sector, emphasizing the remarkable 650% increase in Indian women seafarers and the launch of the “Sagar Mein Samman” initiative.
Rising Concerns Over Maritime Incidents in Indian Waters
India’s call for action comes in the wake of a series of alarming maritime incidents involving foreign-flagged container vessels operating in Indian waters. These incidents, primarily caused by undeclared hazardous cargo and structural or stability deficiencies, have raised serious concerns about the safety protocols governing global container shipping. Two notable incidents underscored India’s urgency: the sinking of the container ship MSC ELSA 3 in May 2025 and the major fire and explosion aboard the WAN HAI 503 in June 2025, both off the coast of Kerala. These accidents resulted in the loss of numerous containers, the release of hazardous cargo, and significant environmental risks, exposing vulnerabilities in the current emergency response framework.
The Indian delegation emphasized the proactive role of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard in ensuring the safety of life at sea during these incidents. Their swift response mitigated potential disasters, but the incidents highlighted the need for stronger global standards to prevent future occurrences. India urged the IMO to initiate a thorough investigation into these accidents, focusing on the packaging, declaration, stowage, and monitoring of hazardous goods, particularly lithium-ion batteries and other materials categorized under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.
India’s Proposal for IMO-Led Investigations
India’s statement at the IMO Council session proposed the establishment of IMO-led investigations into container ship accidents worldwide. Such investigations would aim to develop global best practices, enhance standardization, and reinforce operational protocols to ensure safer and more secure maritime activities. The delegation underscored the need for improved international frameworks to address the handling of dangerous goods, including lithium-ion batteries, which pose significant risks due to their flammable nature. By advocating for a global review, India seeks to address systemic issues in container shipping, ensuring that safety protocols are robust and universally applied.
The Indian statement specifically called for strengthening protocols related to the IMDG Code, which governs the safe transport of dangerous goods by sea. This includes stricter regulations on packaging to prevent leaks or damage, accurate declaration of cargo to ensure transparency, proper stowage to minimize risks during transit, and enhanced monitoring to detect potential hazards early. India’s proposal aligns with the IMO’s mission to promote the safety and security of shipping while preventing marine and atmospheric pollution.
The Role of the IMO in Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection
The International Maritime Organization, established in 1948 as a specialized agency of the United Nations, plays a pivotal role in ensuring maritime safety and environmental protection. Headquartered in London, the IMO has 174 member states, including India, and is responsible for setting global standards for shipping safety, security, and environmental sustainability. The organization’s key conventions provide a framework for achieving these objectives:
- International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974: Establishes minimum safety standards for ships, including fire protection, navigation, and operational safety.
- International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), 1973: Aims to prevent and minimize pollution from ships, covering oils, chemicals, sewage, and garbage.
- International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC) and OPRC-HNS Protocol (2000): Requires countries to develop contingency plans and foster cooperation for oil spill response.
- International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention): Regulates the use of harmful anti-fouling systems to prevent marine organisms from attaching to ships’ hulls.
- Ballast Water Management Convention: Prevents the spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens, reducing the risk of invasive species in marine environments.
- The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong Kong Convention): Ensures that ship recycling does not pose unnecessary risks to human health, safety, or the environment.
India’s advocacy for enhanced safety measures aligns with these conventions, particularly SOLAS and MARPOL, which address the core issues of maritime safety and pollution prevention. By calling for IMO-led investigations, India aims to strengthen compliance with these conventions and address gaps in their implementation.
India’s Commitment to Gender Inclusivity in the Maritime Sector
In addition to maritime safety, India made significant contributions to discussions on gender equality during the IMO Council session. Aligning with the IMO’s Gender Inclusion Strategy, the Indian delegation highlighted the national initiative “Sagar Mein Samman” (Honour at Sea), launched on November 25, 2024, by the Directorate General of Shipping. This program is designed to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive maritime environment, enabling women to thrive in roles ranging from seafarers to executive leadership.
India proudly showcased a remarkable achievement: a 650% increase in the number of Indian women seafarers. This milestone reflects the country’s commitment to fostering an equitable maritime workforce and ensuring equal opportunities for all. The “Sagar Mein Samman” initiative includes measures to support women in the maritime industry, such as training programs, mentorship opportunities, and policies to address workplace challenges. By promoting gender inclusivity, India is setting a global example for creating a diverse and inclusive maritime sector.
India’s Broader Maritime Safety Advocacy
India’s statement at the IMO Council session also highlighted the need for urgent enhancements to the global safety framework for container shipping. The delegation cited the proactive efforts of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, which have been instrumental in responding to maritime incidents and safeguarding lives at sea. However, the recent accidents involving MSC ELSA 3 and WAN HAI 503 underscored the limitations of the current emergency response framework, particularly in handling hazardous cargo spills and environmental risks.
The sinking of MSC ELSA 3 in May 2025 resulted in the loss of several containers, some containing hazardous materials, which posed significant risks to marine ecosystems. Similarly, the fire and explosion aboard WAN HAI 503 in June 2025 caused widespread environmental concerns due to the release of hazardous cargo off the coast of Kerala. These incidents highlighted the need for stronger international cooperation and standardized protocols to prevent and respond to such accidents.
India’s proposal for IMO-led investigations aims to address these challenges by fostering collaboration among member states, sharing best practices, and developing robust operational norms. By improving standardization and compliance with the IMDG Code, the IMO can help prevent future incidents and mitigate their impact on human safety and the environment.
Conclusion
India’s participation in the 134th IMO Council session marks a significant step toward strengthening global maritime safety and promoting gender inclusivity. By urging the IMO to conduct a comprehensive investigation and global review of maritime incidents, India is advocating for safer shipping practices and robust international protocols. The emphasis on improving standards for hazardous cargo, particularly lithium-ion batteries, reflects India’s commitment to protecting human lives and the marine environment. Simultaneously, the “Sagar Mein Samman” initiative and the 650% increase in women seafarers demonstrate India’s leadership in fostering an inclusive maritime workforce. As the IMO considers India’s proposals, the global maritime community looks forward to enhanced safety frameworks and greater equity in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What prompted India to urge the IMO for a global review of maritime incidents?
India’s call for a comprehensive investigation and global review by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was triggered by recent maritime incidents involving foreign-flagged container vessels in Indian waters. Notable incidents include the sinking of MSC ELSA 3 in May 2025 and the fire and explosion aboard WAN HAI 503 in June 2025 off the coast of Kerala. These accidents, caused by undeclared hazardous cargo and structural deficiencies, led to the loss of containers, release of hazardous materials, and significant environmental risks, highlighting the need for stronger global safety protocols.
2. What specific safety concerns did India raise at the 134th IMO Council session?
India raised concerns about the safety protocols surrounding global container shipping, particularly the packaging, declaration, stowage, and monitoring of hazardous goods like lithium-ion batteries, categorized under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. The delegation emphasized the vulnerabilities exposed by recent incidents and proposed IMO-led investigations to develop global best practices, improve standardization, and strengthen operational norms to ensure safer maritime activities.
3. What is the “Sagar Mein Samman” initiative, and how does it relate to the IMO’s goals?
“Sagar Mein Samman” (Honour at Sea) is a national initiative launched by India’s Directorate General of Shipping on November 25, 2024, to promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive maritime environment for women. It supports women in seafaring roles and leadership positions, aligning with the IMO’s Gender Inclusion Strategy. India highlighted a 650% increase in Indian women seafarers, showcasing its commitment to gender equality in the maritime sector.
4. How does India’s proposal align with the IMO’s key conventions?
India’s advocacy for enhanced safety measures supports several IMO conventions, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, which sets minimum safety standards for ships, and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), 1973, which addresses pollution prevention. By focusing on hazardous cargo and emergency response frameworks, India aims to strengthen compliance with these conventions and address gaps in their implementation.
5. What role do the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard play in maritime safety?
The Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard have been instrumental in ensuring the safety of life at sea during recent maritime incidents in Indian waters. Their proactive response to accidents like the MSC ELSA 3 sinking and WAN HAI 503 explosion mitigated potential disasters. India highlighted their efforts at the IMO Council session to underscore the need for enhanced global safety frameworks to complement national efforts in maritime emergency response.
