Indian Maritime University Opens New Campus

Union Minister for Shipping Shri G K Vasan yesterday inaugurated the Karaikal campus of the Indian Maritime University (IMU) in the Union Territory of Puducherry. To fulfill the aspirations of the youth in maritime training, education and career building, the Union government opened IMU campuses in all of the country’s maritime states. The government has already opened campuses of the University at Kandla and Cochin. A feasibility study conducted by the Ministry of Shipping concluded that new campus at Karaikal would benefit the rural youth to pursue a career in the maritime field.

Speaking at the occasion, the Minister told that the efforts of the government as set out in the Maritime agenda 2020 has made the country a major supplier of the most efficient and cost effective manpower. He praised our seafarers who have the reputation of being the most disciplined and best trained seafarers, who account for 7 percent of the global seafarers. As set out in the Maritime Agenda 2020, India aspires to substantially increase its seafarers to 9 percent of the world share. More than 135 maritime institutes all over the country are offering pre-sea and post-sea training in various streams. The Indian Maritime University was set up towards the purpose of consolidating these efforts.

Earlier in September, 2013, a Maritime Training Institute of Shipping Corporation of India was inaugurated in Thoothukkudi to cater to the needs of southern districts of Tamil Nadu. As there are many fishermen in Karaikal, the Minister expressed the hope that this campus would help the fishermen and the youth to take up maritime profession in the days to come.

Initially, the campus will function in the premises of Marg – Karaikal Port and once land is made available by Puducherry government which has agreed to provide 10 acres of land, it will have its own campus. The ministry plans to open campuses of IMU in the states of Karnataka, Goa and Odisha as well.