The World Maritime Technology Conference (WMTC), held every three years under the World Maritime Technology Congress, took place in Chennai on December 4–6, 2024. This marked the return of the WMTC to India after a 15-year hiatus, with the last edition held in Mumbai (2009). Hosted by the Institute of Marine Engineers (Chennai Branch), the 2024 conference followed past conferences held in Copenhagen (2022), Shanghai (2018), Houston (2015), and St. Petersburg (2012).
About the Conference
WMTC is an international confluence that sees significant participation and contributions from the global maritime industry. It includes 21-member organisations from 17 countries, bringing together professionals from maritime technology and related sectors.
The 2024 WMTC brought together maritime leaders from across the world to explore the opportunities and challenges confronting the shipping industry. The theme of WMTC 2024 was Global Shipping—A Battle for Survival or A Torchbearer of Hope? (Amidst Technology, Regulations, Geo-politics, and Climate Change). They even featured three days of conference sessions, where industry experts tackled the most urgent issues affecting those mentioned in the theme.
Papers Presented
The WMTC had called for paper presentation during the conference. Submissions were invited from financial institutions, maritime professionals, academic institutions, engineers, salvors, adjudicators, designers, brokerage houses, researchers, etc., on the following topics that were discussed during the conference:
- Navigating the Future: Blockchain, Al, Data Analytics, and Digital Transformation
- Managing and Hedging Risk: Asset, Cargo, and Currency
- Ship Building and Repairs: Can India grab a share of the market?
- Shipping Markets: Can we predict the future?
- Marine Money—Do banks believe in shipping?: The Basel and the Poseidon Narrative
- Duty of Care: Safety Management and Crew Welfare
- Reforming (or Romancing) the Future: Is Education the same as Schooling?
- Classification Society: A voice of Influence or just an IMO ally?
- The Bugle of Geo Politics: Sounds of the 21st Century for Shipping
- Sustainable Development: Is it only about climate change?
- Powering Academic Research: Hulls, Propulsion Equipment, Vibration & Underwater Noise
- The Connectivity Conundrum: Linking Rivers, Ports, and Railways
- Advancements in Product Technologies: Fuel, Lubricants, Paints, Chemicals & others
- Cost Leadership in Maintenance
- Managing Learning: What can shipping learn from other industries?
To conclude, WMTC fosters global cooperation and progress in the maritime industry. As the sector advances, the conference remains an important forum for knowledge exchange and promoting sustainable practices. The next edition is scheduled to take place in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2027.
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