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Mighty Mariner 2025 inspires next-gen maritime leaders at Sharjah Maritime Academy
The summit featured a sequence of expert-led sessions delivered by renowned figures in the global shipping and maritime industry
- PUBLISHED: Fri 2 May 2025, 3:51 PM
The coastal city of Khorfakkan witnessed a landmark occasion as maritime minds from across the region gathered at Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA) for the highly anticipated Mighty Mariner 2025 summit. Hosted under the patronage of Sharjah Maritime Academy in collaboration with the International Maritime Club (IMC) and the International Maritime Institute (IMI), the event was orchestrated in strategic partnership with Aries Energy and the Aries International Maritime Research Institute (AIMRI).
The summit commenced with a warm welcome extended by event host Niya Roy, who set the tone for a day filled with learning, leadership, and forward-thinking dialogue. Roy recognised Sharjah Maritime Academy not only as a foundational pillar of maritime education in the UAE, but also as a visionary institution shaping a new wave of industry-ready professionals under the leadership of Dr Hashim AlZaabi, chancellor of SMA.
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An audiovisual presentation introduced attendees to SMA’s enduring legacy and its commitment to academic excellence, hands-on training, and inclusivity in the maritime sector.
Following a formal inauguration, the event welcomed one of the most distinguished personalities in the global maritime and business community — Sohan Roy, the visionary founder-chairman of Aries Group, IMC, IMI, AIMRI, and Aries Energy. In his powerful keynote titled “Career Design: Shaping Your Future Beyond Academics,” Roy spoke about the transformative role of innovation, education, and personal vision in maritime careers. His thought leadership resonated deeply with the aspiring professionals in attendance.
The summit featured a sequence of expert-led sessions delivered by renowned figures in the global shipping and maritime industry. Krishnan Subramaniam, international vice chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, offered deep insights on career planning within commercial shipping. Sarah Al Qahtani, commercial and operations manager at Bahri Dry Bulk, inspired the audience with her dynamic session on adapting to the rapidly evolving maritime landscape. Lazaros Sarris, CEO of Central Ship Management Ltd., emphasised the critical importance of safety and proactive risk management, while Ramamurthy Ayyagari, director of Kyra Global Marine Services DMCC, shed light on the seafaring profession and the wealth of opportunity it holds.
A compelling presentation on AIMRI introduced attendees to a future-forward model of industrial education. Recognised as a pioneering institution in maritime and cross-industry training, AIMRI was lauded for its mission to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application through cutting-edge content, digital platforms, and continuous upskilling.
Throughout the day, participants actively engaged with speakers, networked with industry leaders, and registered their attendance through a dedicated QR-based system to qualify for event certification.
As the summit drew to a close, a special ceremony was held to present tokens of appreciation and commemorative mementos to the esteemed speakers who had so generously contributed their time and insights. A vote of thanks was delivered, marking the end of an intellectually enriching and professionally significant event.
Mighty Mariner 2025 reaffirmed the collective commitment of the UAE's maritime institutions to fostering future-ready talent, industry collaboration, and innovation-driven growth. The summit concluded with optimism, ambition, and a shared vision for the future of global maritime leadership.