The newly established Indian Maritime Centre (IMC), an apex body for the maritime sector, has elected Devki Nandan as its first Chairman, with Shankar Shinde appointed as Vice Chairman at its inaugural board meeting held in Mumbai. Capt Sankalp Shukla will serve as Secretary, while Capt Vikas Vij has been designated Treasurer of the IMC. R Ravi Kumar, Secretary General of the Indian Private Ports and Terminals Association (IPPTA), has been named acting CEO of the Centre, according to an official statement. During the meeting, the board approved membership applications from the Association of Container Train Operators (ACTO) and the Indian Register of Shipping (IR Class). The IMC board comprises prominent leaders from various maritime organisations, including Devki Nandan (President, IPPTA), Shankar Shinde (Immediate Past Chairman, FFFAI), Capt Vikas Vij (President, ICC Shipping Association), Capt Sankalp Shukla (Chairman, FOSMA), Arjun Ashok Chowgule (President, Shipyards Association of India), Maneesh Pradhan (Chairman, MASSA), and Rahul Modi (President, Coastal Container Transporters Association). IMC aims to unify maritime policy across sub-sectors, promote an integrated maritime ecosystem, and enhance India's visibility on the global maritime stage through participation in forums like the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). It will also serve as a think tank to support policy formulation and foster international collaboration. The board acknowledged Bhushan Kumar, former Joint Secretary (Sagar Mala), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, for his contribution to the Centre’s formation. After his appointment, Devki Nandan said, “We are committed to promoting domestic and international maritime trade and contributing to India’s economic growth. With significant investments lined up, we aim to adopt cutting-edge technologies, build capacities, and align with global standards.” He further pledged full cooperation with the government to achieve the goals outlined in the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the Maritime Amrit Kal Vision 2047, aiming to position India as a global growth engine. “This apex body will assist the government and sub-sectors in developing uniform policies, making Indian maritime a role model for the world,” he added. IMC has invited major ports, trade associations, state maritime boards, companies, professionals, and other stakeholders involved in maritime trade to join its efforts toward building a unified maritime sector through collective action. (ET)