"Oil Spill India 2016" set for Launch in Mumbai in August

The 4th Edition of Oil Spill India (OSI) 2016 is all set to be launched at the JW Marriot Sahar, Mumbai. Keeping with the current trend and the government policy of "Make in India" the theme selected for this two-day event scheduled for 11th and 12th August 2016 is "Commitment, Synergy, Excellence.
 
For the first time Mumbai will play host to this unique major event “OSI 2016”, whereas the first three editions had been successfully hosted in GOA. In year 2011, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC), Directorate of General Shipping and the Indian Coast Guard, in association with iTEN Media recognized a need for an industry forum to deliberate & collaborate on response frameworks for Oil Discharges in the region, as same was on discount. As a result, “OIL SPILL INDIA” was conceptualized and founded as an industry led conference and exhibition.
 
Today, OSI is one of the world’s top 3 conferences & exhibitions on Spill prevention, preparedness, response & restoration systems. Over the years it has served as a platform that has witnessed an increasing turnout having established itself as a global forum for the Government, Regulators, Industry, Academia and response organizations to discuss, deliberate, share & learn the best practices, technologies & experiences of spill management industry.
 
Recently, in a prolific venue in Mumbai, the pre-launch of 4th edition - Oil Spill India 2016 was hosted. The pre-launch event was attended by top industry dignitaries in addition to elite Advisory Board members. Mr. Deepak Shetty, IRS, Director General Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Capt. Sandeep Kalia, Global Brand Ambassador & Co-Chairman of OSI 2016, took pride to announce the august presence & support of Stalwarts, Captains, Top brass from all sectors of Maritime, Offshore Oil & Gas, Defense, Logistics, Shipyards, Ports & Port Trusts & PSC, Classification societies, Ship owners & management companies, P&I, H&M, Salvage & OSR industry. He mentioned that this is a perfect blend of Knowledge, Experience, Expertise and Wisdom, seldom witnessed under one roof. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, esteemed Guests of Honour & Advisory Board members.
 
He also informed the august gathering that with all above global stakeholders under one roof, valued perspectives will be shared and participants will brainstorm on emergency response, casualty management, Salvage, OSR preparedness, developments, methodologies, techniques and models used for combating spills of any kind or source.
 
Capt Kalia declared that as a strategic decision the Advisory Board members had agreed to shift the venue of OSI 2016, from Goa to Mumbai, India, in order to leverage and reach out to larger stakeholders, as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Individual Social Responsibility (ISR), initiative for country and citizens, at large.
 
The Welcome address was orated by the OSI Conference Chairman (since 2011), Mr. A.K. Hazarika, former CMD & Director Onshore, ONGC. He said that with the support of such industry luminaries he was sure that the next edition of OSI conference 2016 would be much more meaningful forum, than a successful one, for all the stakeholders in India & across the globe.
 
He highlighted the importance of environmental concerns, pollution threats posed by fossil fuels like coal, gas & oil, both offshore & ashore, as 90% of energy comes from these fossil fuels and once burnt it releases Carbon-di-oxide in the atmosphere, which creates concerns for mankind and environment. Assuring all guests present at the venue, Mr. Hazarika submitted that all these concerns will be addressed in OSI 2016 by global stakeholders, while taking cognisance of our preparedness, mitigation and response capabilities.
 
In his keynote address Mr. Deepak Shetty averred that 'Oil Spill India' has now come a long way since its inaugural take -off four years ago and he was confident that the OSI would go from strength to strength as years roll by. He found the theme for OSI conference 'Commitment, Synergy & Excellence' extremely contemporary, topical and futuristic. Mr. Shetty highlighted that the sheer scale of maritime incidents like oil spill are so daunting & challenging that there is a need to collectively push the frontiers of cutting-edge technology and innovation that would drive synergies in planning, prevention, response, containment & restoration efforts to redress, mitigate & pre-empt such incidents, going forward.
 
The Head of Maritime Administration further highlighted the need for capacity building, training of human resource & most importantly building awareness amongst all stakeholders. He categorically stated to be fore-armed is to be fore-warned, while suggesting that it was extremely crucial in the run-up to the event that there is mass dissemination of the information & awareness about the theme of OSI 2016. Mr. Shetty expressed concerns for the future generations, who will clearly hold us as having been derelict if we do not contribute individually & collectively towards the cause of environmental protection.
 
In conclusion he affirmed that he looks forward to the OSI Conference in August 2016 and declared that as the National Maritime Administration of India, the Directorate General of Shipping, Govt. of India will be more than happy to Collaborate and Partner with the OSI 2016. He exhorted all the stakeholders involved in this extremely challenging, complex task to support the noble cause and conveyed best wishes for the success of the event.
 
Capt Kalia, commended the ardent commitment of Head of Maritime Administration towards the Marine Environment, affirming liberal Support, Collaboration & Partnership with OSI, while highlighting that this noble gesture will be registered in history for the benefit of Generation Next.