Pratik Bijlani – MLA College formally launched its India operations in partnership with the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) at a reception held on 2nd July at The Lalit, Mumbai, bringing together senior maritime professionals, academicians, shipping executives, marine engineers and industry stakeholders. The event marked a significant step in strengthening maritime education and lifelong learning while reinforcing the importance of industry-academia collaboration in preparing professionals for a rapidly evolving global shipping industry.
The partnership builds on an already active relationship between MLA College and IME(I), which has included joint webinars, participation in India Maritime Week and the promotion of flexible, globally recognised degree programmes designed specifically for working maritime professionals. Welcoming the gathering, Master of Ceremonies Mr Arjun Sekhon described India as one of the world’s most dynamic maritime markets and said the launch reflected a shared commitment to expanding higher education, professional development and collaboration in support of the country’s long-term maritime vision.
A promotional film introduced MLA College’s student-centric approach to flexible learning, highlighting how its online programmes enable seafarers and maritime professionals to pursue internationally recognised qualifications without interrupting their careers.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Mohammed Dastbaz, Principal and CEO of MLA College, emphasised that education would be central to helping the maritime industry navigate digital transformation, sustainability and decarbonisation. Congratulating India on its Maritime Vision 2047, he said, “India’s maritime ambitions demand a future-ready workforce. Through collaboration, innovation and flexible education, we can equip the next generation of maritime professionals with the skills needed to drive sustainability, digital transformation and global excellence.” He added that the partnership with IME(I) would deliver globally relevant yet locally contextualised programmes to support India’s growing maritime ambitions.
Describing the collaboration as far more than a formal agreement, Mr Kaushik Seal, President of IME(I), stressed the importance of preparing marine engineers and seafarers for an industry being reshaped by automation, artificial intelligence and alternative fuels. “This partnership is more than an agreement—it is a commitment to developing globally competitive maritime professionals through innovation, lifelong learning and industry-academia collaboration, ensuring India’s seafarers and marine engineers remain future-ready in a rapidly evolving maritime world.” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr KM Rao, Chief Surveyor, Directorate General of Shipping, outlined India’s vision for a digitally enabled and environmentally sustainable maritime sector. He highlighted initiatives including e-Samudra, the Maritime Single Window, reforms in maritime education and certification, and the National Maritime Decarbonisation Framework, while emphasising the need for stronger industry-academia partnerships. “India’s maritime future will be shaped by technology, sustainability and skilled professionals. Through digital transformation, green shipping and stronger maritime education, we are building a globally competitive ecosystem that will drive the nation’s growth and realise the vision of Maritime India 2047.” he said.
Looking ahead, Mr Sanjeev Mehra highlighted IME(I)’s flagship INMARCO 2026 conference, which will feature technical sessions, exhibitions and discussions on green shipping, shipbuilding, ship recycling, alternative fuels and workforce development. Concluding the programme, Mr. Glenn Harris, Chief Operating Officer of MLA College, reflected on the importance of lifelong learning, noting, “Education should adapt to people’s lives, not the other way around. Through our partnership with IME(I), we aim to create flexible, industry-driven learning that empowers maritime professionals to grow, innovate and succeed throughout their careers.”
The evening concluded with a ceremonial handshake between Prof Mohammed Dastbaz and Mr Kaushik Seal, symbolising the formal launch of the partnership, before delegates continued discussions over cocktails and dinner. More than a ceremonial occasion, the event underscored a shared vision of equipping Indian maritime professionals with globally recognised education, future-ready skills and continuous learning opportunities to support India’s emergence as a leading global maritime nation.
Marex Media