MUMBAI: The 9th Edition of the India Maritime Awards, organized and managed by Daily Shipping Times, concluded on a High Note at a Glittering ceremony at a Grand venue of Sapphire Ballroom, Hotel Sahara Star in Mumbai on June 20th.  Distinguished Leaders, Innovators, and Professionals flocked in scores from across the Globe in attendance, once again cementing the reputation of India Maritime Awards as one of India’s most Prestigious Maritime Recognitions.

The Chief Guest of the Grand Evening 
Shri Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, JNPA Chairman, highlighted key achievements of JNPA, progress on Vadhvan Port and elucidated the future prospects of Maritime landscape in India. 

Special Guest of Honour Shri Haji Arfat Shaikh, BJP Leader, President of the BJP Transport Cell and All India Suffi Board highlighted key policies of the Government shaping the Maritime and Logistics landscape of future India. 

Key Highlight : VVIP Knowledge Session- A major highlight of the evening was the Key VVIP Knowledge Session, which proved to be a resounding success with presence of over 150 Delegates. This Elite session brought together Global Ambassadors, Consuls, and Industry Leaders, who shared sharp insights into the evolving global maritime landscape. Discussions revolved around rise of India and Africa, Geopolitics, Innovation and Multimodal Connectivity, with each Global Speaker offering valuable perspectives from their Regions and Industries. Panama’s role as a vital ocean bridge was also emphasized. 

The knowledge session created a platform for dialogue and strategy-sharing, addressing the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Global Shipping. Industry Leaders and Delegates appreciated the depth of discourse, which was both visionary and action-oriented—making it one of the most engaging segments of the Grand Evening.

This High-level Networking & VVIP Knowledge Session was Moderated by Mr. Vishal P. Mehta, Honorary Consul of Djibouti in India and CEO Pankaj Transport, Rushabh Sealink and Logistic Pvt. Ltd. 
Global Ambassadors and Diplomats includes : 
1.H.E. Mr. Isse Abdillahi Assoweh, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Djibouti to India
2. H.E. Mr. Mustapha Jawara, Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to India
3. H.E. Dr. Abdullahi Mohammed Odowa, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia
4. H.E. Mr. Alonso Correa Miguel, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to India
From honouring industry pioneers to setting the stage for meaningful conversations, the India Maritime Awards 9th Edition served not just as a celebration of achievements, but as a Catalyst for Global Collaboration and future innovation in the Maritime space.

Special Awards 
Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Natvarlal Devchand Popat, Chairman & Managing Director, Velji Dosabhai & Sons Pvt. Ltd., in recognition of his outstanding and lifelong contributions to the Indian maritime and logistics industry. With a legacy built over decades, Mr. Popat has been a visionary leader, steering Velji Dosabhai & Sons towards becoming one of the most respected and enduring names in the industry. 

Maritime Personality of the Year was presented to Mr. Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairman – JNPA. He is a seasoned IRS Officer turned Port Leader—transforming JNPA into a Smarter, Greener, and Globally positioned gateway. From accelerating massive infrastructure projects like Vadhavan to pioneering sustainability and operational excellence at Nhava Sheva, his strategic and people-centric leadership shapes India’s maritime future.

- Catalyst of the Year was presented to Mr. Shankar Shinde, Director – Global Express Multilogistics.  Mr. Shinde is a seasoned logistics leader driving strategic trade corridors, customs modernization, and professional development in India’s freight forwarding industry. His leadership in Global Express Multilogistics and FFFAI, combined with technology-focused advocacy at international forums, cements his role as a visionary influencer shaping India’s logistics future.
The Awards Ceremony presented a Golden opportunity for Industry Players to Interact - Network - Explore and Celebrate the Emerging Trends Reshaping the Global Maritime Landscape which ended with Cocktail Dinner.  

*A Detail Pictorial Coverage of the Awards Ceremony will follow in the coming issue.