Strengthening Engagement on Maritime Safety and Sustainability - Meeting With ABS

The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) hosted a delegation from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) at its headquarters in Mumbai for discussions on key regulatory and operational matters concerning maritime safety and sustainability.

The ABS delegation was led by Mr. Dan Ilteris, Vice President and Chief Surveyor, and included Mr. Sukumaran Praveen, Surveyor in Charge, Senior Principal; Mr. Vamsi Krishna Navuduri, Surveyor in Charge, Senior Principal; Mr. Vipin Vijayan, Assistant Chief Surveyor, Pacific, Middle East and Africa Operations; and Mr. Ambar Roy, Manager, Business Development.

The discussions covered a range of areas including maritime safety and sustainability, Port State Control (PSC), vessel detention and the responsibilities of Recognised Organisations (ROs). The interaction also touched upon issues relating to detention of vessels undergoing dry-docking extensions, associated RO responsibilities and regulatory considerations arising in such cases.

Further deliberations were held on dry-docking related challenges and force majeure situations, including the practical and regulatory aspects involved in addressing such cases while ensuring continued compliance with applicable safety requirements.

The interaction provided an opportunity for DGMA and ABS to exchange perspectives on these matters and reaffirmed the importance of continued engagement between the maritime administration and classification societies towards strengthening maritime safety, regulatory compliance and sustainable shipping practices.