The India Dredging Experience, organised by IHC Merwede and its Training Institute for Dredging (TID), proved to be a great success and an enjoyable gathering for all involved.
It took place during the 4th Annual Conference on Dredging in India, on 5 and 6 September 2013 in Mumbai, India. The event was welcomed with great enthusiasm by visitors and the number of participants exceeded expectations.
The India Dredging Experience attracted over 40 participants from 25 companies, including most of the leading organisations in the Indian dredging industry, such as dredging contractors, port and local authorities and the Indian Maritime University.
The event revolved around the cutter dredger simulator of the Training Institute for Dredging. This particular simulator, based on the IHC Beaver® 6518 cutter suction dredger, had been transported to India especially for this event. This allowed anyone interested to develop a clear understanding of what TID’s simulator training has to offer, not only for operators and superintendents, but also for field engineers and personnel from estimating and production departments. Moreover, the event provided all attendees with a great opportunity to discuss developments in the field of dredging and to maintain friendly relations.
The India Dredging Experience was officially inaugurated with the sounding of the ship’s horn, performed by Mr J.K. Dhar (Director of IMU, Mumbai), Capt. D.K. Mohanty, (Chairman and Managing Director, DCI) and Mr A.K. Gupta. (Director Technical & Offshore Services, SCI).
In succession to the event, TID organised the India Dredging Contest, in which conference visitors were invited to compete with one another during a challenge on the simulator. Participants were given the assignment to dredge a harbour entrance channel as fast and efficiently as possible – with a healthy dose of friendly rivalry. The well-attended competition ended in a tie for first place between Capt. Gagan Pal Singh Diwan (Jt. GM Operation, Essar Ports) and Mr Gundip Singh Ahluwalia (Deputy Manager, Adani Ports), so both were declared winner of the India Dredging Contest.
The IHC Beaver® 6518 simulator is currently still in India and will feature during INMEX India, 8-10 October 2013 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. Until then, the simulator is available for training programmes. The Training Institute for Dredging has qualified trainers on location and will happily provide simulator training sessions to interested parties.
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Press Release, September 17, 2013