Indian Maritime University (IMU) the largest maritime University having the oldest maritime training
institutions in its fold participates in the Global Maritime India Summit held from 17th to 19th
October 2023 in Mumbai. This event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri
Narendra Modi and saw participation from top leaders from the various Ministries of the
Government of India, leading maritime Industries from India and abroad and a large number of
Ministerial delegations from many Countries.
This event marked the launch of IMU’s e-library by the Honorable, Minister of Micro, Small &
Medium Enterprises, Government of India, Shri Narayan Tatu Rane and the inauguration of IMU’s
revamped website by Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of
India, Shri Shripad Naik.
This event also witnessed the efforts of IMU to energize maritime education and research verticals,
by inking MoUs with Erasmus University, UPT; Centre for Urban Port & Transport Economics an
organ founded by University of Rotterdam and is closely associated with the Port of Rotterdam
under the academic-industry model. With the LoI signed under the Indo-Dutch collaborations, the
Government of India, IMU had conducted an online micro credit course and also delivered lectures
at IMU. The MoU will further the collaborations between both Institutions. Eastern University (EU),
Trincomalee Campus, Sri Lanka has offerings in areas of applied sciences, business studies etc. The
EU seeks India's support to develop marine related programmes. So IMU intends to act as a major
knowledge partner and Sri Lanka being one of the BRICS members, would augur well. International
Ocean Institute (IoI), Malta being associated with UN marine programmes is a renowned body
having expertise in ocean governance and related studies. IMU has collaborated with IOI (Singapore
Chapter) for awareness programmes etc. It is intended to develop short certificate programmes and
also explore the possibility of long Masters programmes. Kamarajar Port Limited is a buzzling port at
around 35 kms from IMU. The port will have much to offer for IMU students by way of port visits,
internships etc. This MoU is aimed at utilizing the services of the Port for the benefits of students of
IMU. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai has been an institution of excellence in higher
education and is a deemed University. The MoU agrees to promote cooperation between both
institutions to encourage co-operation between their faculty and administrative staff, departments
and research institutions. A major area would be research studies on seafarers’ issues (health,
societal). IMU envisages benefits to the country’s and also the global maritime force through this
understanding. Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) is a Central University and a pioneer in the
domain of Transport and Logistics education in India. With a mandate to create a resource pool of
best-in-class professionals for the entire transportation sector, the collaboration between Indian
Maritime University and Gatishakti University will pave the way for Research and development also.
The joint efforts will focus on the Maritime India Vision 2030 and the National Logistics Policy
framework 2022 and Visakhapatnam Port Authority is a major port on track to be a Green Port.
VPA’s solar power farm takes care of its captive requirements. VPA has reached out to IMU for
projects which will make the port cleaner and greener. The project on autonomous vehicle with
scavenging feature, providing solutions for port’s real-life issues and accommodating IMU’s students
for port visits, etc., are a few initiatives in near focus.
IMU’s experiential learning initiative aims at enhancing the functional knowledge of IMO amongst
students.Mimicking the IMO sittings, students from IMU’s Campuses and other MTIs compete. The
third edition is due in November and this year it has drawn greater attention and support. This year’s
supporters include IMEI, Alumni, RINA (with a welcome MoU signed prior to the Summit) and Lloyds
Register. The next edition is expected to be open to international maritime institutions.