Soaring DMET’s Legacy High in the UK! 🇮🇳

Cadet Arunanshu Jha, Roll No. 10166 IMarEST Maritime Industry Decarbonisation Symposium 2025, Glasgow

The journey from a DMET classroom in Kolkata to the global stage of maritime innovation in Glasgow is not just a personal milestone—it is a defining moment that elevates the pride and legacy of every DMETian. Representing India and my institution at the First IMarEST Maritime Industry Decarbonisation Symposium 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary. The atmosphere was charged with purpose, ambition, and international collaboration. Even today, the memories of those intense sessions and inspiring interactions give rise to a deep sense of nostalgia and motivation.

The theme of the Symposium, “The Paradigm to Achieve Net-Zero Targets,” couldn’t have aligned better with my academic interests and ongoing research. As a second-year Marine Engineering cadet, stepping into a venue filled with global thought leaders, principal engineers, policymakers, and technological innovators felt like entering the beating heart of the worldwide maritime movement.

Presenting My Paper: A Defining Moment

The highlight of my visit came on 30th October 2025, when I presented my technical paper titled:“Retrofitting to Realism: Establishing Dual-Fuel LNG as a Practical Decarbonization Strategy.”

My research focuses on how developing maritime nations like India can accelerate decarbonization through practical, scalable measures—specifically by transitioning existing diesel engine ships to dual-fuel LNG systems. Unlike many futuristic solutions still in their infancy, LNG retrofitting offers an immediate and realistic pathway to meet IMO 2050 reduction targets.

During my presentation in the “Transitional Fuels and Retrofitting” technical session, I outlined:

• The technical feasibility of LNG retrofitting

• Installation of Fuel Gas Supply Systems

• Adoption of high-pressure engines to control methane slip, reducing it to as low as 1.7%

• Comparative emission reductions between traditional diesel and LNG dual-fuel operations

I further presented the financial dimension of the proposal:👉 A model showing USD 10 million CAPEX for retrofitting a bulk carrier👉 An estimated payback period of just 2.7 years

This balance of engineering realism and financial viability became the strongest argument in favor of LNG as a transitional decarbonization pathway.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where I was deeply honored to be recognized by IMarEST delegates as one of the best speakers. Their appreciation for the scalability and practicality of my thesis reaffirmed the impact of my research.

Key Insights That Shaped My Vision

The Symposium was a treasure of cutting-edge knowledge:

• The MD of Lloyd’s Register shared 2025 retrofit benchmarks, highlighting that modern dual-fuel engines—integrated with AI—are now cutting methane slip by up to 40%.

• Research on bio-LNG blending (up to 30%) particularly excited me, as it offers nearly 80% reduction in Global Warming Potential.

• Workshops showcased next-generation modeling tools and decision-making frameworks used by top marine engineering firms.

These insights have directly influenced my ongoing thesis and broadened my perspective on India’s decarbonization roadmap.

Global Networking: Connecting With the Leaders Steering the Future

One of the biggest advantages of attending this Symposium was the opportunity to build relationships with some of the brightest minds in the maritime sector:

• A deep discussion with Dr. Thomas Beard, Principal Marine Engineer & Clean Shipping Lead at BMT, on emerging methane-reduction systems

• A meaningful conversation with Ms. Emily Kyle, World Fuel Services, on LNG bunkering challenges in emerging economies

• Interactions with IMarEST’s Global Director, Symposium Coordinator, and Policy Advisors—who encouraged me to publish in IMarEST journals and even explore leadership roles for the Institute’s India Branch

These conversations were not just interactions—they were mentorship moments that expanded my horizons and strengthened my confidence.

A Transformative Experience

Attending the IMarEST Symposium has been one of the most impactful experiences of my journey so far. It seamlessly connected my academic foundation at DMET with global maritime realities. I return with renewed determination, a wealth of technical knowledge, and a powerful network—ready to contribute meaningfully to India’s coastal decarbonization initiatives.

Gratitude fills my heart for everyone who supported this journey—from mentors and faculty members to the organizers who made this exceptional experience possible.

This is just the beginning.For DMET.For India.For a greener maritime future. 🇮🇳⚓