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June 6, 2026  ·  The Leela Mumbai
Shaping Global
Maritime
Talent

Co-creating workforce skills, smart shipping standards, alternative bunkering fuels, and international maritime corridors to direct India's fleet readiness into the next decade.

Date & Time
June 6, 2026
02:30 PM IST
Venue
The Leela Mumbai
Sahar Airport Road, Andheri E
90K+
Graduates Since 2005
Vessel at sea — GUNI Maritime Conclave 2026
Women maritime cadets at simulator controls
Event Countdown
Days Remaining
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Conclave Backed By Industry Leaders
Conclave Context
Resolving the
Maritime Skills Gap

The global maritime shipping framework is undergoing critical transitions — driven by digital automation, decarbonisation timelines, and route disruptions. Shipping operations demand seafarers prepared for automation bridge networks, alternative bunkering systems (LNG, Ammonia, Methanol), and digital telemetry loops.

The Maritime Skill Conclave 2026 — Mumbai unites seafarer stakeholders, vessel owners, class societies, and training academies to design sponsored pre-sea cadet pathways, DGS certification frameworks, and simulation-based training tools.

Core Deliverables
Strategic Focus Pillars
Simulator Standards
Standardising simulator-based deck & engine room certification rules.
Pre-Sea Pathways
Creating sponsored recruitment channels for pre-sea students.
Alternative Fuels
Up-skilling crews for low-carbon bunkering operations & safety codes.
Industry MOUs
Forging direct MOU linkages between academia and ship managers.
Conclave Impact
Maritime Track Record
96% Jobs
90K+
Graduates Since 2005
Enrolled
18K+
Active HE Students
Awarded
12K+
Scholarships Awarded
Allocated
₹28 Cr
Dedicated Funding
Conclave Governance
Under the Patronage
Dr. Mahendra Sharma - Patron of Maritime Skill Conclave 2026
Dr. Mahendra Sharma
Group Pro Chancellor, GUNI
"Curating transformational educational models that bridge the industry-academia gap, preparing cadets for global merchant marine standards."

With over 25 years of educational and executive experience, Dr. Mahendra Sharma directs the academic framework and strategic alliances of Ganpat University. His tenure has focused on establishing cutting-edge Centres of Excellence in partnership with industry giants to ensure hands-on, industry-aligned training.

Under his vision, GUNI has created strong international academic pathways. Dr. Sharma was recently honoured with the Stellar Innovator of the Year Award 2025 and the Innovative CEO of the Year Award 2025 by the Services Export Promotion Council of India.

Stellar Innovator 2025 Innovative CEO 2025 Special Advisor, ASSOCHAM
Conclave Pillars
The 5Ts Framework
01 First T Talent – Workforce Pipeline

Addressing seafarer shortfalls by standardising pre-sea classroom structures with deck and engine room simulator operations. Curriculum modifications centre on cadet sponsorships, ensuring placement pathways exist before seafarers graduate GUNI's pre-sea academies.

Key Discussion Points
  • Cadet sponsorship pathways with ship managers
  • Refining simulator training log ratios
  • Chemical tanker up-skilling requirements
02 Second T Technology – Smart Shipping

Reviewing digital vessel operations. Panels examine seafarer interactions with AI routing telemetry, diagnostic twins in engine rooms, and cybersecurity protocols for the next generation of smart ships.

Key Discussion Points
  • IoT telemetry logs for predictive maintenance
  • Smart bridge navigation diagnostics
  • Cyber security compliance directives
03 Third T Transition – Decarbonisation

Evaluating safety codes for alternative propulsion fuel types — LNG, Ammonia, Methanol — to align fleet operations with international IMO environmental targets and 2050 net-zero shipping commitments.

Key Discussion Points
  • Safe bunkering pathways for Ammonia fuels
  • Retrofitting hull designs for energy efficiency
  • Ports modifications for alternate fuel storage
04 Fourth T Trade – Routing Efficiency

Analysing maritime logistics lane shifts, supply corridor bottleneck mitigations, and port repair workflows to support dry-docking growth and coastline trade expansion across Indian Ocean routes.

Key Discussion Points
  • Managing high-threat transit lane risks
  • Integrating dry cargo hubs with railways
  • Extending coastal shipping concessions
05 Fifth T Transformation – Synergies

Co-designing regulatory benchmarks between DGS directors, shipping line operators, and maritime academies to fast-track simulator licensing and shared curriculum approvals.

Key Discussion Points
  • Upgrading curriculum frameworks approval cycles
  • Shared investments for maritime simulator labs
  • Mutual training certs with international bureaus
Academic Offerings
Flagship Programmes
B.Tech.
Marine Engineering
B.Sc.
Nautical Sciences
DNS
leading to BSC
Graduate
Marine Engineering
Electro
Technical Officer
GP Rating
Cadet Spotlight
Ms. Heli Solanki - Indian Female Maritime Cadet in Uniform
Empowering Women at Sea—Because Talent Knows No Gender
Ms. Heli Solanki, the first girl cadet from Gujarat, sparked a movement in maritime training. Today, women represent over 25% of our cadet intake—and we're just getting started. At Ganpat University's Centre for Maritime Studies, we're committed to breaking stereotypes, creating equal opportunities, and shaping the next generation of women leaders in the marine industry. Beyond numbers, we're building a culture of mentorship, leadership, and ambition—where women thrive both onboard and ashore.
This is more than progress — it's our promise.
Heli Solanki
B.Tech Marine Engineering
Batch: 2017-2021
June 6, 2026
Conclave Schedule
Day 1  —  June 6, 2026
The Leela Mumbai
14:30 – 20:00 IST
02:30 PM IST
Welcome & Check-in
Registration & Welcome Networking
Delegates check in and connect over refreshments in the pre-function lobby.
Networking Registration
03:00 PM IST
Opening Plenary
Inaugural Session
Lamp lighting ceremony, keynote addresses by Patron and dignitaries, national anthem.
Keynote Ceremony
03:45 PM IST
Panel Debate
Panel I — Talent: Workforce Pipeline
Roundtable with DGS officials, maritime academy heads, and global ship managers. co-creating sponsored pre-sea cadet pathways.
Panel Discussion Talent
04:45 PM IST
Technology Demo
Panel II — Technology: Smart Shipping
Demonstrations of AI bridge navigation, IoT telemetry systems, and ECDIS upskilling.
Technology Demo
05:30 PM IST
Environmental focus
Panel III — Transition: Decarbonisation
IMO 2050 goal alignment, LNG/Ammonia bunkering safety protocols, retrofitting plans.
Decarbonisation IMO 2050
06:30 PM IST
Logistics & MOU
Panel IV — Trade & Transformation
Maritime route optimisation, coastal shipping expansion, academia–industry MOUs.
Trade MOU Signing
07:15 PM IST
Awards & signings
MOU Exchange & Awards Ceremony
Formal signing of industry-academia MOUs and recognition of outstanding cadets.
MOUs Awards
07:45 PM IST
Gala Reception
Gala Dinner & High-Sea Cultural Evening
Celebrate, network, and enjoy curated maritime-themed cultural performances.
Networking Gala
Inaugural Ceremony
Chief Guest & Guest of Honour
Chief Guest
Dr. Pramod Sawant
Dr. Pramod Sawant
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa
Government of Goa
As the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Sawant's leadership is integral to advancing the region's coastal and maritime ecosystem. His presence underscores the government's commitment to integrating regional development with world-class maritime education.
Guest of Honor & Keynote
Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS
Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS
Director General of Shipping
Government of India
At the helm of India's maritime administration, Shri Jagannathan plays a pivotal role in shaping maritime policies. His keynote will offer crucial insights into regulatory advancements, seafarer welfare, and the strategic vision for India's blue economy.
Distinguished Speakers
Conclave Speakers & Panellists
Dr. Mahendra Sharma portrait
Patron
Dr. Mahendra Sharma
Group Pro Chancellor
Ganpat University
Patron of the conclave; drives industry-academia synergies for global maritime education.
EducationPolicy
Regulator
Shri Rajesh Kumar
Joint Director General
DGS India
Leads seafarer certification reform and digital logbooks under DGS national directives.
CertificationRegulation
Ship Manager
Capt. Anil Mehta
Fleet Director
Scorpio Ship Management
Oversees 80-vessel fleet recruitment; advocates for simulator-hours in cadet certifications.
Fleet OpsCrewing
Class Society
Dr. Priya Nair
Innovation Lead
Bureau Veritas Marine
Specialises in IMO 2050 framework advisory and ammonia bunkering safety protocols.
DecarbonisationSafety
Energy
Mr. Vivek Sharma
CEO
India LNG Storage Ltd
Building India's first shoreside LNG bunkering corridor for coastal shipping lanes.
LNGBunkering
Academia
Prof. Kavita Singh
Dean Maritime Studies
IMU Chennai
Leads competency-based education research and DGS curriculum reform advisory panels.
ResearchCurriculum
Port Auth
Capt. Omar Al-Rashidi
Port Director
Port of Salalah, Oman
Coordinates Indian Ocean transshipment hubs and India-Oman maritime corridor MOUs.
Trade RoutesLogistics
Shipping Line
Ms. Fatima Desai
Sustainability Dir.
Maersk India
Directs Maersk's South Asia net-zero shipping roadmap and methanol vessel programme.
ESGNet Zero
Ship Mgmt
Mr. Rajan Patel
Technical Director
Greatship (India)
Manages technical superintendence across 60+ vessels; advises on engine room simulator ratios.
TechnicalCrewing
GUNI by the Numbers
Key Statistics
90,000+
Total Students Graduated
since 2005
18,000+*
Total HE Program Students
as of 2026
12,040+
Scholarships Provided
so far
₹28.1 Cr
Scholarship Value
provided so far
14
Academic Disciplines
total departments
07
PhD Disciplines
for doctoral research
42
Masters (PG) Programs
postgraduate courses
60
Bachelors (UG) Programs
undergraduate courses
16
Diploma Programs
professional diplomas
400+
PhD Scholars
pursuing doctorate
6,000
Hostel Capacity (Boys)
on-campus housing
2,600
Hostel Capacity (Girls)
on-campus housing
28
Total Hostels
residential blocks
7,000+
Annual Admissions
students join GUNI yearly
200
International Students
joining every year
25+
Countries Represented
international student origins
GUNI Maritime Academy
World-Class Facilities
Event Location
Venue & Getting There
The Leela Mumbai venue
The Leela Mumbai
Sahar Airport Road, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400 059
Open in Google Maps
Transit Connections
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport
Directly adjacent to Terminal 2 (CSIA Mumbai International).
~2 min drive
Andheri Railway Station
Serving suburban and express routes, with auto-rickshaws directly to hotel.
~10 min drive
Andheri Metro Station (Line 1)
Metro Line 1 high-speed connection directly to Sahar road stop.
~12 min ride
Venue Features & Perks
5-Star Conference Facilities
9 Dedicated Breakout Rooms
Gala Dinner Ballroom
Business Centre & Concierge Services
Accommodation Block Reserved
AV Systems & Simultaneous Translation
Complimentary Secure Delegate Valet Parking
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend the Maritime Skill Conclave 2026?

The conclave is designed for maritime educators, DGS officials, ship managers, class society representatives, seafarer unions, port authorities, energy and bunkering companies, and pre-sea cadets seeking industry connections. Any professional invested in the future of the Indian maritime workforce will benefit from attending.

Is registration mandatory? What does the delegate pass include?

Yes, pre-registration is mandatory. Delegate passes include full access to all four panel discussions, MOU ceremony, curated networking sessions, refreshments, and the gala dinner. Passes are available in Standard, Premium (with preferred seating), and Corporate Table categories.

What is the fee to attend?

Individual delegate passes are available at different tiers. Early-bird pricing applies until May 15, 2026. Contact the conclave team at conclave@ganpatuniversity.ac.in for institutional group pricing and sponsorship packages.

Will sessions be recorded or live-streamed?

Select keynote and panel sessions will be live-streamed via the GUNI YouTube channel. Registered delegates will receive links to the recorded sessions within 7 days after the event. Interactive workshop segments are in-person only.

Are accommodation arrangements available?

Yes. Discounted room blocks have been reserved at The Leela Mumbai for delegates. Rooms must be booked directly through the conclave team using a provided booking code. Rooms are on first-come-first-served basis.

Is the conclave open to pre-sea cadets and students?

Yes. A limited number of subsidised student observer passes are available for sponsored pre-sea cadets from GUNI affiliates and partner maritime academies. Applications must be submitted via the institution's placement cell before May 20, 2026.

What is the language of the conclave?

All sessions will be conducted in English. Simultaneous Hindi translation will be available for selected ministerial address segments.

Can organisations sponsor or exhibit at the conclave?

Yes. Multiple sponsorship tiers are available — Title, Gold, Silver, and Associate. Exhibitor tables are also available for maritime solution providers and equipment manufacturers. For sponsorship decks, contact conclave@ganpatuniversity.ac.in.

Still have questions?
Conclave Helpdesk
Upcoming Initiative
National Maritime Games 2026
National Maritime Games - Athletic Seafarer's Energy Cup Silhouettes playing Volleyball & Tennis
Strength, Skill, Spirit, Seamanship
In line with the vision of promoting fitness, discipline, teamwork, and maritime excellence, Ganpat University, under the aegis of the Directorate General of Shipping, proudly announces the National Maritime Games 2027.

This prestigious initiative aims to bring together the maritime fraternity in India, fostering a spirit of healthy competition, camaraderie, and holistic development across academy cadets, seafarer unions, port authority teams, and corporate ship management panels.
Official Announcement
The detailed schedule, venue, and participation guidelines for the National Maritime Games 2026 will be released shortly in coordination with the Directorate General of Shipping.

Invitations are extended for active participation from all verticals of the maritime industry, shipping lines, and certified pre-sea training institutes nationwide.

Centre of Excellence (COEs) & Learning Infrastructure

Our Centre of Excellence connects students with leading technology platforms, tools, and learning partners that strengthen practical exposure, certifications, and industry readiness.