Indian Seafarers To Be Promoted Amongst Greek-Norwegian Shipowners

India’s maritime ventures seem to be paying off as maritime bodies in Europe have decided to support Indian seafarers. According to the Government of India’s, Maritime India vision document, several international maritime bodies are holding roadshows in Europe in an attempt to promote Indian seafarers to the maritime world.

This is part of the Maritime India Vision 2030 plan which was unveiled by the Indian Prime Minister last week, as part of the Maritime India Summit.

“India”s oldest union of merchant navy officers, The Maritime Union of India or MUI has planned to hold roadshows in European countries of Greece and Norway to promote Indian seafarers amongst local foreign shipowners in the current year,” read the statement issued by the government.

Speaking on the matter Amar Singh Thakur, the General Secretary of MUI revealed that the blueprint of the plan is already laid down in the Maritime India Vision 2030 document. The plan is to increase the stronghold of Indian seafarers in the maritime world. By increasing its footprint to over 20% India seeks to project itself as a maritime economy.

This venture will attract the Indian youth towards the merchant navy, he said.

“In the current year, once COVID pandemic comes under complete control in Europe, we intend to collaborate with Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India and also with India’s apex shipping body, The Maritime Association of Shipowners, Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA)…,” Thakur revealed.

Further collaboration and publicity events in the Indian embassies in Europe. The Indian embassies in Greece and Norway will be promoting Indian seafarers within Greek and Norwegian shipping circuits.

The proposition will be headed by the Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India, and Mansukh Mandaviya and he himself will interact with the shipowners from Greece and Norway in the respective embassies.

The Chairman of MASSA, Mahendra Bhasin said that this will boost the crew Manning industry of India.