-Jagdamba Prasad Pandey
In a significant move to strengthen the maritime industry’s future, Dr Harry S. Banga and Mr Angad Banga of The Caravel Group proudly announce their acquisition of the International Maritime Institute (IMI), India’s premier maritime academy. This strategic acquisition reinforces The Caravel Group’s commitment to developing the next generation of global maritime professionals and ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability.
The maritime industry faces an urgent challenge to attract and develop young talent to sustain global shipping operations. Through this acquisition, The Caravel Group is making a long-term investment in the education and development of maritime professionals, creating lifelong career opportunities for the next generation.
The acquisition integrates IMI’s educational excellence with The Caravel Group’s operational expertise, bolstering India’s role as a primary hub for world-class maritime training. With 90% of world trade transported by sea, the maritime industry depends on well-trained professionals to move the ships that deliver the goods and commodities that economies rely on.
Through IMI, The Caravel Group will provide world-class maritime education, expand career pathways for aspiring cadets and marine engineers, and develop future ship officers through renowned pre-sea training programs. The institute will introduce specialized courses in emerging maritime technologies, alternative fuels, and sustainability-driven operations, ensuring that cadets are prepared for the challenges of the modern shipping industry.
The Caravel Group will also apply IMI’s knowledge and expertise to advance the learning and development programs on offer to its 28,000-strong workforce across Fleet Management Limited and other maritime operations. This will include advanced simulator training, specialized courses in alternative fuels, emissions reduction, and digital navigation, as well as expanded leadership programs to support career progression.
Dr Banga, Chairman and CEO of The Caravel Group, emphasized the importance of investing in maritime education, stating, “Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, and investing in their education is not just a responsibility—it is a necessity.”
The acquisition aligns with India’s broader vision to enhance its maritime capabilities and establish itself as a global leader in seafarer training and shipping innovation. By integrating IMI’s educational excellence with The Caravel Group’s operational expertise, this partnership will further strengthen India’s role as a primary hub for world-class maritime training.
The Caravel Group is committed to preserving IMI’s legacy while investing in curriculum enhancements, faculty development, and expanded career placement programs to maximize student success. With this strategic acquisition, The Caravel Group reinforces its position as a leader in the maritime industry, dedicated to fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.
Marex Media