
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


In this episode of Maritime Matters, host Dr Matthias Catón, Managing Director of the German Maritime Centre, is joined by Captain Vikas Vij, Director and Treasurer of the Indian Maritime Centre, and Mr Ravi Kumar Moka, Ship Surveyor and Deputy Director General at the Directorate General of Shipping.
Key Topics:
Coastal Shipping Explained: Understanding the distinctive role of coastal shipping in India’s logistics network.
Policy Transformation and Government Vision: Ambitious initiatives driving infrastructure, digitalisation, and regulatory reforms.
Pain Points and Industry Priorities: The private sector’s perspective on first- and last-mile connectivity, multimodal integration, and the necessity for seamless port and commodity-specific infrastructure.
Shipbuilding Goals and Collaboration: India’s strategy to increase its global shipbuilding share from less than 1% to at least 5% by 2030, major investment schemes, shipyard expansion, and the opportunities for joint ventures and equipment suppliers – with a strong focus on German expertise.
Digitalisation and Data Integration: Progress and challenges in India’s maritime digital ecosystem.
Business Opportunities for German and International Firms: Openings in shipbuilding equipment, port infrastructure, terminal management, and technology – driven by government incentives and a push to raise international investment and collaboration.
Guest Bios:
Captain Vikas Vij is the immediate past President of the Indian Coastal Ship Owners Association and Director and Treasurer of the Indian Maritime Centre. He is a Master Mariner, ship owner, and strategic consultant to the Indian coastal shipping sector, with decades of experience spanning ship command, marine management, and industry leadership. He founded I-Marine Infratech and is active in advocacy for ecosystem development and ship finance in India.
Mr Ravi Kumar Moka is a Ship Surveyor and Deputy Director General at the Directorate General of Shipping, which is part of India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Nautical Numbers: This episode’s standout number: India aims for a fivefold increase in its global shipbuilding market share by 2030 (at least by 5%). Additionally, coastal cargo volumes are targeted to reach 1,300 million tonnes by 2047 – a reflection of India’s scale and ambition.
Navigator’s Table: Captain Vikas Vij and Mr Ravi Kumar Moka recommend the iconic Sea Lounge at the Taj Mahal Hotel, South Mumbai, overlooking the Gateway of India and the bustling Mumbai harbour. With panoramic sea views, maritime ambience, and a menu blending classic European afternoon tea with Indian street food favourites, it’s the perfect spot for shipping meetings or relaxing by the Arabian Sea.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Maritime Matters for more interviews with leaders and experts shaping the maritime sector. Visit the German Maritime Centre’s website for updates, events, and information about Germany’s maritime industry and international connections. If you found this episode insightful, share it with colleagues and partners in the shipping world. Stay tuned for more global perspectives through a German lens.
By German Maritime CentreIn this episode of Maritime Matters, host Dr Matthias Catón, Managing Director of the German Maritime Centre, is joined by Captain Vikas Vij, Director and Treasurer of the Indian Maritime Centre, and Mr Ravi Kumar Moka, Ship Surveyor and Deputy Director General at the Directorate General of Shipping.
Key Topics:
Coastal Shipping Explained: Understanding the distinctive role of coastal shipping in India’s logistics network.
Policy Transformation and Government Vision: Ambitious initiatives driving infrastructure, digitalisation, and regulatory reforms.
Pain Points and Industry Priorities: The private sector’s perspective on first- and last-mile connectivity, multimodal integration, and the necessity for seamless port and commodity-specific infrastructure.
Shipbuilding Goals and Collaboration: India’s strategy to increase its global shipbuilding share from less than 1% to at least 5% by 2030, major investment schemes, shipyard expansion, and the opportunities for joint ventures and equipment suppliers – with a strong focus on German expertise.
Digitalisation and Data Integration: Progress and challenges in India’s maritime digital ecosystem.
Business Opportunities for German and International Firms: Openings in shipbuilding equipment, port infrastructure, terminal management, and technology – driven by government incentives and a push to raise international investment and collaboration.
Guest Bios:
Captain Vikas Vij is the immediate past President of the Indian Coastal Ship Owners Association and Director and Treasurer of the Indian Maritime Centre. He is a Master Mariner, ship owner, and strategic consultant to the Indian coastal shipping sector, with decades of experience spanning ship command, marine management, and industry leadership. He founded I-Marine Infratech and is active in advocacy for ecosystem development and ship finance in India.
Mr Ravi Kumar Moka is a Ship Surveyor and Deputy Director General at the Directorate General of Shipping, which is part of India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Nautical Numbers: This episode’s standout number: India aims for a fivefold increase in its global shipbuilding market share by 2030 (at least by 5%). Additionally, coastal cargo volumes are targeted to reach 1,300 million tonnes by 2047 – a reflection of India’s scale and ambition.
Navigator’s Table: Captain Vikas Vij and Mr Ravi Kumar Moka recommend the iconic Sea Lounge at the Taj Mahal Hotel, South Mumbai, overlooking the Gateway of India and the bustling Mumbai harbour. With panoramic sea views, maritime ambience, and a menu blending classic European afternoon tea with Indian street food favourites, it’s the perfect spot for shipping meetings or relaxing by the Arabian Sea.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Maritime Matters for more interviews with leaders and experts shaping the maritime sector. Visit the German Maritime Centre’s website for updates, events, and information about Germany’s maritime industry and international connections. If you found this episode insightful, share it with colleagues and partners in the shipping world. Stay tuned for more global perspectives through a German lens.