INMARCO (International Maritime Conference and Exhibition) 2006 organized by the Mumbai Branch of the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) was held between 23rd and 25th November, 2006 at the "Hotel Renaissance, Powai, Mumbai". The theme of INMARCO 2006 was "Emerging Global Opportunities in Maritime India". It was attended by the who's-who of Indian maritime community and a very large number of key decision makers of the maritime industry from overseas. Mr D.T. Joseph, IAS (Retd.), Advisor, Dept. of Shipping, Government of India inaugurated the Conference and Exhibition at a glittering inaugural function which was attended by more than 700 professional from the maritime industry. Dr Peter Swift, Managing Director of INTERTANKO was the Guest of Honour.

The inaugural function was followed by a session on industry views where captains of various sectors of maritime India voiced their opinion on the way forward for the growth of national shipping industry to match and support the burgeoning growth of national economy.

This was followed by nine technical sessions spread over three days covering various aspects of the industry viz. ship design and construction, ship propulsion systems, shipboard equipments, LNG carriers, offshore sector, marine environment protection, maritime law and underwriting, navigation etc.

The key recommendations of INMARCO 2006 are as follows:

1. Government policies should facilitate growth of maritime industry since growth in trade is essential for growth in national economy;

2. Government policies should be tailored to provide level playing field to Indian Shipping Companies vis-à-vis their foreign counterparts; this is important to address the issue resulting from flagging out of Indian ships to Singapore and other tax havens.

3. Government and maritime industry should facilitate induction of more women in the industry on the principle of equal opportunity by providing encouragement / concessions as required.

4. The practice of seeking permission for chartering of ships from D.G. Shipping needs to be reviewed for its utility and if necessary to be abolished; Similarly a review is needed in the cabotage Laws.

5. Maritime industry should strife to achieve not only economic development but also overall human development.