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BHUBANESWAR, DECEMBER 9, 2025
In a groundbreaking move for India’s maritime industry, Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), in collaboration with the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the establishment of India’s first Advanced MAN Model Ship-Handling Centre.
The formal signing of the MoU was carried out by Capt. Vikas Patra, Group Managing Director of Seaborne Ship Management Pvt. Ltd. and Director of Centurion University’s School of Maritime Studies, and Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, Government of India.
The MoU, inked during the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, marks a significant leap towards modernising maritime education, training, and port operations, aligning with key national initiatives like the Maritime India Vision 2030, Sagarmala Programme, and the Skill India Mission.
The new centre will be developed by Seaborne Ship Management Pvt. Ltd., an incubated enterprise under Centurion University, and will serve as a cutting-edge training and research facility for India’s maritime sector. The Advanced MAN Model Ship-Handling Centre promises to elevate ship-handling training, offering state-of-the-art simulations and research capabilities to enhance port and coastal navigation standards.
The centre’s offerings will include world-class training in ship manoeuvring, port operations, and navigation, integrating the latest advancements in AI-enabled navigation systems and digital port optimisation models. Specialised simulators for dual-fuel vessels (LNG and conventional) will play a pivotal role in supporting India’s transition to greener shipping practices. The facility will also focus on realistic simulations for a variety of maritime settings, including coastal, riverine, and port navigation.
The collaboration is poised to have far-reaching implications for India’s maritime workforce. With a goal of training marine pilots, deck officers, masters, and port professionals, the centre aims to address critical skill gaps, particularly in pilotage, emergency response, and navigation efficiency. Additionally, the initiative will contribute to the country’s broader maritime objectives, including port modernisation, operational planning, and simulation-led port design.
The centre is also expected to generate over 750 direct and indirect employment opportunities, further strengthening India’s position as a global maritime leader. As part of the partnership, the Directorate General of Shipping will provide regulatory support and technical guidance, ensuring the training programs meet global standards.
This move also underscores India’s growing global maritime presence, as evidenced by the recent visit of Shantanu Thakur, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Capt. Vikas Patra to the Warsash Maritime School at Solent University, UK. During their visit, they discussed expanding academic collaborations and exploring research opportunities to strengthen international ties and further enhance India’s maritime skills development.
Matthew Stewart, Deputy Dean of Education at Warsash Maritime School, highlighted the significance of this partnership, noting that by linking India’s rapidly growing maritime sector with international expertise, both nations can work towards advancing global maritime safety and operational efficiency.
With the establishment of the Advanced MAN Model Ship-Handling Centre, India is poised to take a giant step towards becoming a global leader in maritime innovation, sustainable shipping practices, and cutting-edge port operations. This collaboration promises to shape the future of India’s maritime industry and pave the way for a greener, more efficient global maritime landscape.
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