Chennai, August 29, 2025 — The Indian Maritime University (IMU) concluded a high-level thematic dialogue on “Transforming Indian Ports: Capacity Building, Sustainability and Digital Innovation” at its Chennai Campus. The event served as a curtain-raiser to the upcoming India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 and the National Conference on Port-Led Regional Development, scheduled for November 2025 in collaboration with Gati Shakti University, Gujarat Maritime University, CEPT University, and Adani University.

The dialogue was aligned with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, with discussions focusing on:

Capacity Building — Expansion of port capacity to over 3,300 MMTPA.

Digital Innovation — Application of IoT, AI, and blockchain for port efficiency.

Sustainability — Integration of green technologies under the Harit Sagar Guidelines.

Strategic MoUs Signed

The session witnessed the formalization of key partnerships:
IMU – Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI): To strengthen maritime skilling in shipbuilding and heavy fabrication, combining IMU’s simulated training with SDHI’s industrial training opportunities for ITI graduates, paving the way for employment in emerging shipyards.

IMU – Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC): Under the “Naan Mudhalvan Finishing School” initiative, IMU will provide employability-focused training, facilitate faculty and student exchanges, and promote joint research and incubation.

Further, IMU exchanged a consent letter with Guidance Tamil Nadu for a forthcoming MoU to be signed during the Hon’ble Minister of Shipping’s visit to Thoothukudi Port on September 5, 2025. This initiative supports the establishment of two Mega Shipbuilding Clusters at Cuddalore and Thoothukudi, with training support from the Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Shipbuilding (CEMS).

Distinguished Participation

The event was inaugurated by Dr. (Mrs.) Malini V. Shankar, Vice Chancellor, IMU, and addressed by Chief Guest Shri Rajesh Kumar Sinha, IAS, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Notable contributions included:

Keynote Speakers: Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Choudhary (VC, GSU), Shri Vetrivel Ramadoss (JSW Infrastructure), and Shri Senthil Kumar (Chief Surveyor, MMD Chennai).

Vision of IMW: Capt. Arun Kumar, CAO, IPA

Port-led Regional Development Session: Prof. Amitabh Kundu (WRI-India), Dr. Priyanka (GSU), Dr. Nitika Bhakuni (CEPT), and Dr. Chirag Patel (GMU).

Sustainability & Digital Innovation Session: Shri Prasad Nayak (Anglo Eastern), Ms. T.V. Sri Lalitha (CEMS), Dr. Sajan Kapil (IIT Guwahati), and Dr. Revathi R. (TERI).

Special Address: Prof. G. Raghuram on “Ports, PPPs and Pollution – A Case Study of Mormugao Port.”

Panel Discussion: Featuring Prof. Tanuja Kaushik (GMU), Mrs. Manisha Jadhav (JNPA), and Prof. Bangaru Raju (IMU), moderated by Dr. Pankaj Kumar S (Centre for Urban R&D).

The proceedings concluded with Prof. Sankaran, Head, SMET delivering the concluding remarks, followed by a vote of thanks from Dr. M. Sekar, Head, SMM, IMU Chennai.

By bringing together policymakers, academia, and industry stakeholders, IMU has reaffirmed its role as a driving force in shaping India’s maritime future, anchored in capacity enhancement, sustainable growth, and digital transformation.