Distinguished leaders of the shipping industry come together to unveil Maritime Awareness Program Society (MAPS), formed with the objective of spreading maritime awareness amongst the common masses

Mumbai, February 21, 2014: Efthymios Mitropoulos, famously said “without shipping half the world would freeze and the other half will starve to death” thus highlighting the importance of shipping. 90% of trade is carried by ships; this means the clothes that you wear, the petrol in your car and the food on your plate have all been transported at some point by the maritime sector. Thus shipping is the silent contributor touching our everyday lives in many different ways. The common man has a limited perception or appreciation of its influence and role as an essential element in terms of our country’s overall development.

To touch on these very elements and focus on the rich and diverse heritage of the maritime industry, Maritime Awareness Program Society (MAPS) a non-profit society was launched today. The esteemed members of MAPS will work towards the realisation of due credit, to shipping, for its role in the existence of mankind and contribution to the global economy.

With this noble objective of “Maritime Awareness” MAPS brings to you its first ever initiative Maritime Summit 2014. It is to be held at the Oxford Golf Course, & JW Marriott as hospitality partner; in Pune on 22^nd February 2014.The energy major ONGC has come ahead and recognised this initiative as the title sponsor. This initiative is powered by IOC and DG Shipping along with Indian Ports Association duly supports this step. ADANI Group, All cargo, INDEV, Petronet LNG, Selandia Group extend this support as associate sponsors.

The MAPS steering members consists of shipping luminaries and is chaired by Mr. Sabyasachi Hajara, Ex Chairman Of SCI, & on the Board of Directors at Doehle Danautic India Pvt. Ltd. (DDI).The corporate members include Allcargo Logistics, Anglo Eastern Ship Management Pvt. Ltd, Bose & Mitra & Co, Doehle Danautic India Pvt. Ltd, Elite Mariners Pvt. Ltd, IRI Maritime & Corporate Services Pvt Ltd, Selandia Group, V.Ships India Pvt.Ltd, Wallem Ship Management Pvt. Ltd.

Shipping is the major contributor to globalisation and the second line of defence for India. With a gross tonnage of less than 1% of the world, India contributes 6 – 7% of the seafarers, to the global fleet. Shipping brings in 80% of crude into India without which Indian households would go without power. But for shipping with the present level of world economy and international trade, the planet earth would be uninhabitable by humanity in a matter of weeks.

One of shipping’s biggest contributions is the tremendous boost it has given to world trade by bringing down the cost of shipping. For instance, the freight for a pair of shoe’s getting manufactured

in China and getting sold in USA for 250 dollars, may be barely a few cents. Thus it is a cost effective means of transport. Additionally shipping is also the greenest modes of transport. Shipping consumes only 45% energy and in terms of air emission only 40% that of rail transport, 15% that of road transport and well below 1% of that of aviation.

Awareness about maritime industry its underlying transportation system and new trends in leveraging the most cost effective medium of transportation, has to be the top most priority for not only private enterprises but also for public entities and government policy makers. Our country needs new minds to contribute to study, research & innovate on this sector.

Dedicated forums are the need of the hour to spearhead this charter and collaborate with industry experts, veterans and commercial organisations to create awareness on the medium. Dedicated study courses in educational institutions, skills and knowledge development programs and books on the maritime industry need to be introduced in our educational curriculum so that younger generations are made aware of its importance as well as pursue this as their career choice. This awareness is will lay the foundation for making maritime industry key to India’s growth and rise as a global economic power hub.

On unveiling of the society, Mr. Sabyasachi Hajara, Ex CMD of the Shipping Corporation of India, Board of Directors at Doehle Danautic India Pvt. Ltd. (DDI) & Chairman of MAPS commented “The shipping industry has tremendous untapped potential and through this event our industry will receive the right exposure and public awareness. Shipping is still passing through a difficult phase. However since both world economy and international trade are expected to register higher growth in 2014 v/s a v/s last couple of years we expect the fortunes of shipping would also be better in 2014.

The shipping markets are expected to be significantly better from 2015 onwards.”

On this occasion Mr Sudhir Vasudeva, CMD, ONGC commented “Upstream oil & gas industry is rapidly expanding towards the deeper sea, not only in India but globally. With this, the demand for shipping equipped with advanced technologies as well as trained manpower to provide services in challenging circumstances of high seas is also rising in tandem. Enhancing awareness among the shipping industry as well as investors about such upcoming areas by Maritime Awareness Programme Society (MAPS) will go a long way towards energy security of the country.”  

On this occasion Mr. R.S. Butola, Chairman, IndianOil also mentioned “Shipping services play an important part in IndianOil values chain. Shipping is the most economical and carbon-efficient way of transporting goods. It serves more than 95 per cent of global trade by carrying large quantities of cargo; cost effectively, cleanly and safely. These facts may not be known to many as the same is not widely publicized. Maritime Awareness Programme Society (MAPS) will do yeoman service in projecting the right image of Maritime Industry, address important issues of shipping and its role in global economy and environment.”

MAPS wish to highlight the evolving and dynamic maritime sector in the best manner going forward. MAPS plans to make this an international body and during the Maritime Summit 2014, MAPS will endeavour to introduce the book “An Introduction to Maritime Industry- Focus on India" into school curriculum. MAPS aims to work collectively so that more individuals and companies can be exposed to the positive aspects and derive benefits from this industry.

About MAPS:

Maritime Awareness Program Society (MAPS) is a nonprofit organization created and established for generating public awareness and also to highlight the positive impact of shipping in the day to day lives of every citizen. MAPS is an association of maritime professionals who are likeminded, with a common vision, purpose and goal. Together they will work towards the betterment of the maritime industry, through spreading constructive awareness. Under the Aegis of MAPS, many initiatives and activities have been planned. Each of these initiatives will be targeted towards establishing the maritime sector as the leading sector that contributes to the growth of the nation and to spread positive image and highlight the progressive nature of the maritime sector. Seafaring contributes significantly to global and sustainable development and prosperity by carrying the world’s cargo safely and efficiently at the fraction of the environmental impact and cost of other modes of transport. MAPS aims to connect with the general public and highlight these aspects and improve the way the sector is perceived.

For further details on the committee please log on to:http://www.mapssummit.org/