SHM Global, a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship management and maritime safety solutions, has been recognised by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) for developing India’s first indigenously manufactured and IRS type-approved lifeboats. The recognition marks a significant milestone for the country’s maritime manufacturing sector and reinforces the government’s vision of promoting self-reliance under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
The felicitation ceremony was held at the IRS headquarters in Powai, Mumbai, where Praveen K Mishra, Managing Director of the Indian Register of Shipping, honoured SHM Global for its contribution to strengthening India’s indigenous maritime capabilities. The recognition follows the successful development of the KISS 700 and PN95FA totally enclosed fire-protected lifeboats, designed and manufactured in India by SHM Global in collaboration with Palfinger Marine.
Both products have received IRS type approval after successfully meeting stringent international safety and performance requirements. The lifeboats are intended for deployment on tankers and offshore installations and comply with Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) standards.
Congratulating the company, Praveen K Mishra said SHM Global had achieved a notable engineering milestone by successfully completing the demanding certification process within a relatively short period. He noted that indigenous manufacturing of such specialised marine equipment would help reduce dependence on imported products while strengthening India’s maritime ecosystem.
Highlighting the technical complexity of the project, T Ghosh, Senior Principal Surveyor at the Indian Register of Shipping, said the development represented a first for India’s maritime industry. He credited the collaboration between SHM Global and Palfinger Marine for successfully delivering lifeboats that satisfied rigorous design evaluations, documentation reviews and testing procedures required for lifesaving appliances.
Mohammed Hajee, Chief Executive Officer – Maritime Safety and Security at SHM Global, said the recognition reflected the company’s commitment to developing reliable marine safety solutions through indigenous engineering and manufacturing. He added that safety equipment remains a critical element of maritime operations, making quality and compliance essential priorities.
The project also demonstrates SHM Global’s long-term strategy of developing products tailored to Indian requirements while meeting internationally accepted quality benchmarks. The company currently holds approvals for several maritime safety products and continues to expand its portfolio through ongoing research and product development.
Established in 2001 by IIT Mumbai alumnus Saifuddin Hajee, SHM Global has built a strong presence across shipbuilding, maritime safety and ship management. Backed by a legacy spanning nearly 140 years in the shipping industry, the company has delivered more than 340 vessels and supports government agencies, ports and commercial operators through an extensive domestic and international network. With manufacturing, servicing and warehousing infrastructure exceeding 2 lakh square feet, SHM Global continues to strengthen India’s position as an emerging hub for advanced maritime technologies and safety equipment.
