The first major highlight was the inking of an MoU with RK Mehrotra Holding Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of the Foresight Group. The Group was founded by Dr. R K Mehrotra, CBE an Alumnus of IMU, (former DMET Kolkata), is set to invest USD1.5 Million towards Endowment Portfolio and USD 0.72 Million to establish the building of Dr. R K Mehrotra Centre of Excellence in Maritime at the Kolkata Campus of the University. The Centre will focus on developing capabilities in emerging technologies in the maritime sector, research studies and innovation.  Dr Malini V Shankar, Vice Chancellor of IMU and Sri Amulya Mohapatra, Director and Vice President, of Shipping, Foresight Group exchanged the MoUs setting an auspicious beginning.

The second highlight was the signing of a MoA with the Institute of Marine Engineers, India [IME(i)], establishing a sponsorship of ₹18 lakhs to two Junior Research Fellows (JRF), who will pursue research studies at IMU. The sponsorship is expected to add to the growing research interest in the maritime sector. The JRFs will be able to pursue their Doctoral studies also with the University. Several industry-relevant research projects will be decided jointly by IME(i) and IMU. The MoA was signed by Dr. Malini Shankar, Vice Chancellor IMU and Mr. Rajeev Nayyer President IME(i).

The signing was graced by the presence of, Dr. Rajoo Balaji - Pro-Vice Chancellor of IMU, Capt. Kishore Sundaresan  Professor of Practice, Capt. Mihir Chandra, Director of IMU’s Navi Mumbai Campus, Cmde. (Dr.) Vivek Chawla (retd.) (IN), Director of IMU’s Mumbai Port Campus, and Rear Admiral (Dr) Rangachari P J (Retd.) (IN), Director of IMU’s Kolkata Campus. 

Sri RK Mehrotra, Group Managing Director of RKMHL expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership and said, “I am excited to support Indian Maritime University in its mission to advance Research and Innovation in the maritime sector. The Centre of Excellence reflects our commitment to foster innovation and creating better opportunities for students and researchers. It was my mission to contribute to give back to my alma mater.” He urged the other Alumni to join hands with IMU in its pursuit of excellence in maritime education and research.

Commenting on the collaboration, Sri Rajeev Nayyer, President of the Institute of Marine Engineers, India said, “IME(i) has always been dedicated towards promoting scientific development in maritime and our partnership with Indian Maritime University serves as an extension of our commitment. With this collaboration, we are striving to support the next generation of maritime researchers, opening up greater opportunities for their growth and progression.” 

Talking about these notable achievements, Dr Malini V Shankar, Vice Chancellor of Indian Maritime University commented, “The press conference was a significant event for us, underscoring our vision to drive educational and research outcomes in the maritime ecosystem. We are elated and thankful to partner with the RKMHL group for the development of the Centre of Excellence and are looking forward to creating a budding network of young researchers through our joint venture with IME(i). She added that the University’s efforts are aligned with the Maritime India Vision of 2030 and also the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision of 2047.”