IMI Receives Next Wave Education Award at Maritime SheEO 2026

The International Maritime Institute (IMI) received the Next Wave Education Award at Maritime SheEO 2026, recognising its commitment to maritime education and creating pathways for the next generation of industry professionals. The award was presented at the seventh edition of the conference, held on 22 October 2026 at JW Marriott Sahar, Mumbai.

Centred on the theme She Owns. She Builds. She Invests., the conference brought together more than 500 maritime professionals, cadets and industry stakeholders to explore leadership, diversity, talent development and the evolving opportunities across the maritime sector.

For IMI cadets, attending the conference was an opportunity to look beyond their training and understand how the industry is working to create more inclusive workplaces, strengthen career pathways and prepare future maritime professionals.

Turning Inclusion into Opportunity

A key highlight was the opening keynote by Ms Aditi Garg, Group Legal Director, The Caravel Group, who spoke about translating diversity commitments into meaningful action through equal opportunities, structured career pathways, leadership development and industry collaboration.

Her address reinforced an important takeaway for cadets: representation is only the beginning. Building an inclusive maritime industry requires practical support, fair opportunities for progression and workplaces where talent can thrive.

Leadership, Talent and the Future of Shipping

The She Owns. She Builds. She Invests. panel brought together perspectives on leadership, workforce development and the changing nature of maritime employment. Capt. Deepak Correa, Chief Operating Officer, Fleet Management India Operations, participated in the discussion, highlighting the importance of managing and developing talent in an increasingly technology-enabled working environment.

Other programme highlights included sessions on women in ports, investment and enterprise, and AnchorCON discussions addressing legal, regulatory and commercial challenges in the maritime sector. Speakers from across the international maritime community, including Monica Nagelgaard of the Royal Norwegian Consulate General, Mumbai, and Siv Remøy-Vangen of Norwegian Electric Systems, contributed to the wider exchange of perspectives on leadership and industry transformation.

These discussions offered cadets a broader understanding of the forces shaping maritime careers — from technological change and evolving business needs to leadership capabilities and the importance of continuous learning.

Building a Safer and More Inclusive Maritime Workplace

Addressing aspiring cadets, Shri Sushil Khopde, IPS, Additional Director General of Maritime Administration, highlighted the Sagar Mein Samman initiative, which promotes the welfare and empowerment of women seafarers. He also underlined the importance of gender inclusion in strengthening the maritime sector.

A separate discussion between senior industry leaders and cadets from maritime institutes explored leadership, mental wellbeing, training and career development. These conversations highlighted that preparing seafarers for long-term careers involves not only technical competence, but also supportive working environments, professional guidance and opportunities to grow.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

For IMI cadets, Maritime SheEO 2026 offered a valuable opportunity to engage with industry leaders, hear diverse professional perspectives and understand the importance of building confidence, adaptability and leadership skills alongside technical knowledge.

The conference reinforced three essential lessons: meaningful inclusion requires sustained action; career progression depends on continuous learning and access to opportunity; and the future of maritime will be shaped by a skilled, diverse and well-supported workforce.