The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) is set to host its mid-term meeting in India.

Scheduled for April 9, 2025, in Mumbai, the meeting is part of the International EXCO Conference, themed ‘Navigating Change: The Future of Sustainable Shipping.’

This marks the first time WISTA’s board has convened in India, highlighting the country’s commitment to sustainable maritime practices.

India’s vibrant maritime industry, with its shift towards renewable energy, alternative fuels, and innovative technologies aimed at emissions reduction, provides a fitting backdrop for discussions on green shipping.

The conference will address the sector’s critical challenges and opportunities, particularly in environmental sustainability.

Elpi Petraki, president of WISTA International, emphasised the significance of the venue and the timing.

“India is a vibrant hub for the maritime industry, and it is an honour for the WISTA International Board to meet here for the first time,” she stated.

Petraki also emphasised the conference as a testament to the “vital contributions of women in maritime and reaffirms our dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion worldwide.”

Furthermore, Summit Chima Sharma, president of WISTA India, expressed her enthusiasm for hosting this landmark event.

“It is an honour and a privilege for WISTA India to host the first WISTA India Interim Board Meeting in India,” she said.

Sharma noted that India’s economic transition to sustainable shipping aligns perfectly with WISTA’s goals, citing initiatives like the National Biofuels Policy and the Methanol Policy.

The conference aims to serve as a dynamic platform for global maritime leaders to share strategies for transforming shipping operations into greener and more efficient systems.

It will also celebrate the achievements of women in the industry and chart a course for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

These gathering promises significant networking, learning, and planning opportunities for the future of sustainable shipping, reinforcing the pivotal role of women in maritime and setting a course for a more inclusive industry.