Title: Diving Deep into Port Resilience: A Student's Perspective at the IMU Ports Conclave

Dear Community,

Greetings!

Diving Deep into Port Resilience: A Student's Perspective at the IMU Ports Conclave

I'm thrilled to share details about the recently concluded Ports Conclave held at our esteemed Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai Campus. This prestigious event, held on Friday, April 26th, 2024, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and academics to delve deep into the critical topic of "Port & Terminals: Crises & Disaster Management- Policies & Strategies."

The inauguration ceremony was a grand affair graced by the virtual presence of Mr. T K Ramachandran , IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India. Dr. Malini Shankar , IAS (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, IMU, presided over the function, setting the tone for a day of enriching discussions.

Learning by Doing: The Port Endeavor Game (PEG)

Beyond the traditional lecture format, the Conclave offered a unique and engaging experience - the Port Endeavor Game (PEG). Developed by a consortium of industry giants – International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) , Port of Antwerp-Bruges (POAB), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) – the PEG simulated real-life scenarios faced by port executives. Divided into teams, students like myself were tasked with making critical decisions in response to simulated situations like sudden weather disruptions, economic downturns, and security threats.

The PEG proved to be a powerful learning tool. As Benjamin Franklin aptly stated, "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." . It emphasized the importance of aligning business practices with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a crucial aspect of responsible port management in today's world. Drawing on real-life case studies, the PEG offered valuable insights into the complexities of port operations and the strategies needed to ensure resilience.

Navigating Turbulent Waters: The Panel Discussions

The afternoon saw two insightful panel discussions. The first, titled "Weathering the Storms," moderated by Mr. Sunil Paliwal , IAS, Chairperson, Chennai Port Authority (CHPA), addressed the immediate challenges posed by unforeseen events. Esteemed panelists like Mr. Achille Sobry , Consultant, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Ms. Vinita Venkatesh , MD, Ocean2Door, and Mr. Dr Balasubramanian PhD , Financial & Legal Consultant, shared their expertise on crisis preparedness, risk mitigation strategies, and ensuring business continuity during critical situations.

The second panel discussion, "Navigating Towards Resilience," focused on building long-term strategies for a more resilient future. Moderated by Mr. Ennarasu Karunesan , Regional Director, IAPH, the panel featured industry experts like Mr. Victor Shieh , Strategy & Communications Director, IAPΗ and veterans like Mr. P Raveendran, IRTS (Retd.), Former Chairman, ChPA, Dr. Surya Prakash, Head, National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), and Major Ashish Mishra (Retd.), Gujarat Maritime Board. Their discussions delved into the importance of infrastructure development, robust communication plans, and fostering a culture of safety within port operations.

A Day of Growth and Inspiration

The Ports Conclave at IMU Chennai Campus was a resounding success. It provided a unique platform for students to gain valuable insights from industry leaders and academic experts. The event not only equipped us with theoretical knowledge but also offered a glimpse into the practical challenges and solutions that shape the maritime industry today. The focus on crisis management and building resilience was particularly relevant in today's rapidly changing world. Witnessing the collaborative spirit between policymakers, industry professionals, and academia instilled a sense of optimism for the future of our ports and waterways. As we move forward, the lessons learned at the Ports Conclave will undoubtedly serve as a valuable compass, guiding us towards a more resilient and sustainable maritime future.

Looking to the future, I encourage fellow students and young professionals to actively participate in such events. They offer invaluable learning experiences and broaden our understanding of the complex yet fascinating world of ports and terminals.