DGS Leads Government Outreach at MILAAP – ITF Seafarers’ Expo 2026 in Mumbai

Mumbai, 29 January 2026: The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, led the Government’s participation at MILAAP – ITF Seafarers’ Expo 2026, a three-day international seafarer welfare and outreach event held at the Cruise Terminal, Princess Dock, Mumbai, from 29 to 31 January 2026. 

Organised by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in collaboration with Indian maritime unions, the Expo emerged as one of the largest seafarer-centric events in the country, with an expected footfall of more than 6,000 seafarers and family members over three days. The event brought together seafarers, their families, unions, regulators, welfare institutions, and global industry stakeholders on a common platform. 

The Expo opened with a grand ceremonial welcome, featuring cultural performances and a marching band led by seafarers, followed by a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of the late Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Ajit Pawar, as a mark of respect for his contributions. 

The event was inaugurated in the distinguished presence of Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, 

Chairman, National Shipping Board, as Chief Guest, and Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, as Guest of Honour. Eminent leaders present included Mr. Stephen Cotton, General Secretary, International Transport Workers’ Federation; Ms. Elena Gerasimova, International Labour Organization; and senior representatives of Indian maritime unions, including the National Union of Seafarers of India, Maritime Union of India, and Forward Seamen’s Union of India. 

During the inauguration for the Expo, the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) logo was formally unveiled, symbolising the core principles of care, protection, dignity and lifelong support for Indian seafarers. The launch also marked a significant milestone in the Directorate General of Shipping’s ongoing efforts to rationalise and strengthen welfare schemes, ensuring wider reach and simpler access for seafarers and their families. As part of this reform, a new insurance support framework was announced, under which every eligible seafarer will receive ₹3,000 as assistance towards medical insurance, additional ₹1,000 assistance towards critical illness cover, and separately ₹1,000 assistance towards term life insurance. The initiative aims to reduce out-ofpocket expenses, and ensure that basic health and life insurance protection becomes accessible to all seafarers, reflecting the Government’s commitment to practical, inclusive and people-centric maritime welfare. 

As the apex maritime authority for seafarers in India, the Directorate General of Shipping will showcase a comprehensive government welfare and wellbeing presence through two dedicated pavilions covering welfare schemes, documentation support, grievance redressal, and mental health and wellbeing initiatives. On-site assistance Is being provided for schemes of the Seafarers’ Provident Fund Organisation and the Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society, alongside awareness sessions under flagship initiatives such as “Sagar Mein Yog” and “Sagar Mein Samman”. 

Over the three days, the Expo is hosting expert-led sessions on criminalisation and fair treatment of seafarers, ethical recruitment and rights awareness, abandonment issues, the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, and health and safety at sea. Sessions will be addressed by senior officers of the Directorate General of Shipping, International Transport Workers’ Federation, International Labour Organization, and experienced maritime professionals. 

The programme also featured interactive engagements, counselling desks, quizzes, and family-oriented activities, reinforcing the Expo’s inclusive and seafarer-centric approach. 

By partnering with the International Transport Workers’ Federation and national maritime unions, the Directorate General of Shipping reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening awareness of welfare entitlements, providing on-the-spot support to seafarers, and deepening trust between the maritime administration and India’s seafaring community.