Navigating the Future: Trends and Innovations in the Maritime Industry – A 21st Century Outlook”
Euro Tech Maritime Academy successfully hosted Marine Odyssey 2025 on 30th July 2025 a day-long national-level technical seminar that brought together maritime scholars, industry experts, and aspiring seafarers. With the theme centered on future trends and innovations in the maritime industry, the event created a vibrant platform for learning, collaboration, and recognition.
Inaugural Ceremony
The day began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Mr. J. Senthil Kumar, Principal Officer cum Joint Director General (Technical), Mercantile Marine Department, Kochi. He was accompanied by:
- Mr. Bobban Joseph, Chairman, Euro Tech Maritime Academy
- Mr. Babu Joseph, Executive Director, Euro Tech Maritime Academy
- Mr. Jenson Paul, Managing Director, Euro Tech Maritime Academy
This was followed by the Welcome Address by Capt. Biju T. Varghese, Principal of Euro Tech Maritime Academy, and the Presidential Address by Mr. Babu Joseph, highlighting the academy’s leadership in maritime education. The Chief Guest, Mr. J. Senthil Kumar, delivered the Inaugural Address, stressing the importance of innovation, sustainability, and regulatory compliance in today’s maritime landscape.
Judging Panel
The technical sessions were evaluated by a distinguished panel of maritime veterans:
- Capt. Georgie K. George – Master Mariner and member of CMMI, academic contributor to Euro Tech, CUSAT, and CSL, and external examiner for MMD.
- Capt. Benny Kollassany – Master Mariner with over 40 years of sailing experience and current General Secretary of the Kerala Mariners Society.
- Chief Engineer N. Rajan – Former Principal of IMEI (Kochi) and General Manager – Technical Services, Wärtsilä (Middle East & SE Asia); currently Honorary Secretary, Institute of Marine Engineers (India), Kochi Branch.
- Chief Engineer V.V. Paul – Former Deputy Director General of Shipping (Technical) with rich experience across Indian Register of Shipping, Cochin Port, and global shipping companies.
Their expertise and fair judgment added immense value to the evaluation of technical papers.
Participating Institutes and Industry Contributors
The event saw active participation from several leading maritime education institutions and industry representatives, including:
- Euro Tech Maritime Academy (Host) – Showcased multiple student and faculty-led presentations highlighting advanced maritime engineering topics.
- Indian Maritime University (IMU), Kochi Campus – Participated through the School of Maritime Management, focusing on sustainability and future maritime policies.
- Cochin Shipyard Ltd. – METI (CSL-METI) – Delivered an insightful session on methanol as a clean marine fuel alternative.
- Kunjali Marakkar School of Marine Engineering (KMSME), CUSAT) – Contributed a technical presentation on cyber security in maritime systems.
- Bernhard Schulte Ship Management (BSM) – Capt. Vinod Naveen, Training Head at BSM, presented on Block chain Management in Maritime Operations, bringing in a vital industry perspective rooted in digital transformation and ship management efficiency.
Technical Sessions
Eight technical presentations were delivered on trending maritime topics such as:
- Block chain Management
- Future Fuels
- Methanol as a Zero Carbon Fuel
- Global Warming
- Cyber Security
- Dual Fuel Marine Propulsion (LPG)
- Decarbonisation
- Future Trends in Ship Optimisation
These sessions, led by faculty, sparked meaningful discussions among students, experts, and delegates.
Recognition and Awards
Following the evaluation of technical papers, the winners were honored during the Valedictory Session with cash prizes, certificates, and mementoes. The prizes were awarded to the top three presentations that demonstrated exceptional innovation, relevance, and technical depth.
Entertainment and Closing
The audience was treated to a cultural performance by the students of the Graduate Marine Engineering batch of Euro Tech Maritime Academy.
The event concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Capt. K.K. Haridas, Dean and Program Convener, who acknowledged the contributions of all stakeholders, institutions, and student participants.
Marine Odyssey 2025 was a grand success, reaffirming Euro Tech Maritime Academy’s commitment to excellence in maritime education and industry engagement. The event not only celebrated knowledge and innovation but also strengthened academic-industry partnerships, inspiring the next generation of maritime professionals.
