Delphine Estibeiro and Sonia Parmar –
A promise to invest in India’s maritime future was fulfilled on 16 April with the inauguration of the V.Ships Learning Academy at the AMET campus in Chennai. The launch marked a milestone in industry–academia collaboration, bringing together one of India’s leading maritime universities and one of the world’s largest ship management companies.
Welcoming the gathering, Capt Venkatesh Gomatam, Regional Crew Operations Director, V.Ships, described the Academy as an important investment in the next generation of Indian seafarers. He noted that the shipping industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by safety, digitalisation, sustainability, and operational excellence. In such an environment, he said, professionals must be “not only technically qualified but also adaptable, disciplined, and prepared for the practical realities of life at sea.”
Capt Gomatam emphasized that the strength of the AMET–V.Ships partnership lies in connecting classroom learning with real industry expectations. Cadets will benefit from structured mentoring, early exposure to professional standards, and seamless transition from campus to shipboard operations. “This partnership is not merely about recruitment, but about building careers, creating opportunities, and contributing to the long-term growth and sustainability of the maritime industry,” he affirmed.
Dr J Ramachandran, Founder & Chancellor of AMET University, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, describing V.Ships as a trusted partner since its founding in 1984. He highlighted the Academy’s unique focus on catering and crew training programmes—an area largely untouched by major institutes in India. “I am sure that the students will get a better education, better future, and they will groom themselves well. We will provide everything to international standards, from infrastructure to faculty, ensuring they are not lacking in anything,” he said.
The Chief Guest, Mr Ashish Wankhede, DDG (Tech), underscored the importance of strong industry–academia partnerships in strengthening India’s maritime manpower ecosystem. He acknowledged the long-standing challenge of ensuring meaningful placement opportunities for cadets after pre-sea training. In this context, he praised the AMET–V.Ships collaboration as a progressive model that bridges the gap between education and employment.
“This association creates a win-win situation for all stakeholders,” Mr. Wankhede said. “Cadets benefit from structured training and enhanced employment prospects, while companies gain access to professionals trained to international standards and aligned with their operational culture.” He added that the initiative supports the Government of India’s Maritime India Vision 2030, which emphasizes skill development, employment generation, and strengthening India’s role as a leading global supplier of maritime manpower.
Mr Binesh Chandra Varma, Deputy Director, Seamen’s Employment Office, Chennai, highlighted India’s growing role in global shipping. “Surviving is almost impossible without ships and seafarers,” he remarked, noting that India’s seafarer workforce has surged to 300,000—12% of the global pool. He praised the Academy as a first-of-its-kind initiative aligned with national maritime goals, urging cadets to “embrace professionalism, stay resilient, and uphold the proud legacy of Indian seafarers.”
Dr Rajesh Ramachandran, President of AMET University, emphasized that partnerships must be brought to life through action. He described the Academy as a flagship facility integrating academic knowledge with industry expertise, offering structured pathways from education to onboard training. “This initiative ensures students are industry-ready from day one—marking a milestone in India’s journey toward global leadership in maritime education,” he said.
The inauguration also featured inspiring messages from senior professionals.
- Capt. Arun Iyer, Sailing Master, V.Ships, reminded cadets that “growth in the merchant navy is not automatic—it is earned.” He urged them to embrace challenges as opportunities, stressing that “rank is given, but respect is earned. Stay curious, stay disciplined, and respect the sea—it is your greatest teacher.”
- Chief Engineer Binnu Mathew, who rose from junior engineer in 2007 to chief engineer in 2018, reflected: “My journey in shipping has been defined by resilience, mentorship, and continuous learning.” He emphasized that “safety is not a checklist, it is a culture. Reputation travels faster than rank—earn respect through professionalism and resilience.”
- Capt. Jure Raguz, Global Cadet Manager, praised AMET’s contribution and recognized star cadets for their performance. “Your career at sea is not just a job, it is a journey,” he said. “The future is in your hands. Success ultimately depends on individual commitment.”
- Capt. Karthik, Principal of AMET, delivered the vote of thanks, highlighting AMET’s legacy of 30 years and its record number of girl cadets. “Seafaring is evolutionary, not instantaneous. Trust the process, let go of comforts, and you will gain fortune and a future,” he concluded.
The launch of the V.Ships Learning Academy at AMET represents more than an institutional milestone—it is a strategic investment in India’s maritime future.
Marex Media
Box 1
Investing in India’s Maritime Future
Allan Falkenberg, COO – Marine Human Resources at V. Group, discusses the launch of the V.Ships Learning Academy in Chennai, a strategic initiative to strengthen India’s maritime talent pipeline and prepare seafarers for the evolving demands of global shipping.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Human Capital…
The launch of the V.Ships Learning Academy marks a significant milestone in our long‑term commitment to maritime talent development. After more than three decades of operations in India, establishing our own dedicated training institute is a natural progression—an investment in building a sustainable talent pipeline and reinforcing our presence in the region.
This initiative comes at a crucial time for the industry, as we face a continuing officer shortage driven by demographic shifts and competition from shore‑based employment. Meanwhile, the global fleet is becoming increasingly complex, demanding higher‑skilled crew across technical, digital, and safety disciplines.
Through the Academy, we aim to address these challenges proactively by expanding recruitment and intensifying training programmes. Partnering with AMET was a deliberate choice—its strong reputation, facilities, and shared commitment to excellence align perfectly with our vision. We are proud to begin with an inaugural cohort of 120 cadets and look forward to shaping a structured pathway from cadet to officer level.
Chennai – A Strategic Maritime Hub…
Chennai was a natural choice for the V.Ships Learning Academy, reflecting both our legacy and our vision for the future. We first established a presence in the city in 2004 and expanded into new premises in 2024. Over two decades, Chennai has become a genuine home for V., with strong relationships and a well‑established operational base that made it the right place to take the next step.
Equally important was our partnership with AMET, a respected local maritime institute. AMET brings the academic infrastructure and credibility that perfectly complement V.’s global operational expertise. Together, we can deliver a training experience that neither organisation could achieve alone.
India itself has always been central to V. and to global shipping. Our presence dates back to 1991, and today approximately 7,000 Indian seafarers serve on V.‑managed vessels. Establishing the Academy in Chennai ensures we remain at the heart of this talent pool, shaping the next generation of maritime professionals.
Preparing Seafarers for a Complex Future…
The V.Ships Learning Academy has been designed to equip cadets with the skills required for today’s complex and rapidly evolving maritime environment. Our programmes are fully IMO and STCW compliant, combining classroom instruction with practical onboard experience, including training on a dedicated vessel and exposure to bridge and engine room simulators.
A key focus is preparing seafarers for the multi‑fuel future. Each alternative fuel—whether ammonia, methanol, or LNG—brings unique safety and operational challenges. While the industry has long transported these fuels as cargo, using them as marine fuel requires new expertise and rigorous training.
Drawing on over two decades of operational experience with transition fuels, including LNG, LPG, and methanol dual‑fuel vessels, we integrate this knowledge directly into our curriculum. Cadets receive IGF Code training and specialised modules covering fuel properties, bunkering, emergency response, and vessel design. The Academy ensures that the next generation of seafarers is not only ready for today’s fleet but fully prepared for the ships of tomorrow.
Continuous Learning…
At V.Ships, we believe competitive pay attracts talent, but continuous learning and structured career development are what truly retain and motivate seafarers. The V.Ships Learning Academy has been designed to provide a clear pathway from cadet entry to officer level, embedding V.-specific training throughout. This gives seafarers confidence in their career progression and a strong reason to build their future with us.
Retention is also supported through our Voyage Loyalty programme, launched in 2023, which strengthens engagement and welfare while driving operational performance. Seafarers earn “SeaStars,” our loyalty currency, by completing incentivised activities aligned with key outcomes both onboard and ashore. The results speak for themselves: 98% of seafarers confirm next assignments within seven days, 96% rejoin vessels on time, and 97% complete Navigation Self Assessments within 30 days. Today, the programme has over 4,800 members across 52 nations and 328 vessels.
By combining structured training with innovative engagement initiatives, we are addressing systemic retention challenges and making life at sea more rewarding.
Integrating Modern Training for Maritime Excellence…
Modern training methodologies are central to how the V.Ships Learning Academy equips cadets for today’s complex shipping environment. A recent DNV study highlighted that 81% of seafarers require partial or complete training to work with advanced technologies entering the workplace. We have designed our curriculum to meet this need by combining computer‑based learning, e‑modules, gamification, and advanced theoretical courses with hands‑on exposure.
Cadets train on bridge and engine room simulators and gain experience aboard dedicated training vessels, ensuring they feel prepared before stepping onto a ship. Simulation allows us to replicate complex and potentially hazardous scenarios in a controlled environment, building both technical competence and the confidence to respond effectively under pressure. By training with the same systems, they will encounter onboard, seafarers benefit from efficient, practical, and future‑ready preparation.
A Purposeful Career Awaits Young Seafarers…
My message to young seafarers is that a career in maritime offers real purpose, global exposure, and lasting fulfilment. The industry needs your contributions now more than ever, as new fuels, technologies, and regulatory frameworks reshape the way vessels are operated safely and efficiently. Those entering the profession today will be the ones guiding this transition, making it one of the most exciting times in maritime history to begin a career at sea.
Equally, this is our opportunity to make shipping more welcoming and inclusive. Diversity and inclusion are central to our recruitment strategy, supported by initiatives such as our female cadet programme and the W@VES inclusion platform. We are committed to breaking down barriers and creating supportive environments where every seafarer can thrive.
The industry needs you, and we are investing to ensure this is a career worthy of your time, energy, and dedication.
Box 2
Aligning Vision with Industry Transformation
Dr J Ramachandran, Founder and Chancellor of AMET University, reflects on the institution’s legacy and its collaboration with the V.Ships Learning Academy—advancing maritime education, strengthening Chennai’s role as a hub, and preparing seafarers for the evolving demands of global shipping.
AMET’s Vision Aligned with Industry Needs…
AMET’s legacy of advancing maritime education through innovation, global collaboration, and industry relevance resonates strongly with the V.Ships Learning Academy. For over three decades, AMET has focused on shaping competent and responsible maritime professionals. The Academy builds on this foundation, representing a progressive step toward integrating academic excellence with real‑world operational expertise. Together, we are creating a cohesive learning ecosystem that blends knowledge, skill, and industry engagement to prepare the next generation of seafarers.
Building on Chennai’s Maritime Legacy…
Chennai offers unique strengths as a hub for maritime learning and professional development. Its rich seafaring heritage, strong port infrastructure, and proximity to major international shipping routes provide a strategic advantage. Tamil Nadu contributes a significant share of India’s seafaring workforce, and Chennai has become a focal point for maritime education and training institutions. The presence of regulatory bodies, shipping companies, and advanced training centres creates a robust ecosystem that blends academic learning with professional development. This environment makes Chennai the ideal location for initiatives such as the V.Ships Learning Academy to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the future of global shipping.
Adapting Training to Global Transformation…
It is critical that maritime education evolves in line with technological and regulatory change. The industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by digitalization, automation, decarbonization, and new international frameworks. With over 70% of shipping companies investing in smart technologies and sustainability, education must be dynamic and forward‑looking. Graduates must not only meet current compliance standards but also be prepared to adapt to future challenges. Continuous curriculum enhancement, simulator‑based training, and strong industry partnerships are essential to ensure seafarers remain competitive and capable in this evolving global environment.
Partnership Driving Innovation in Maritime Training…
The collaboration between AMET and the V.Ships Learning Academy opens significant opportunities to advance maritime education and research. Together, we can co‑develop industry‑aligned curricula, enhance simulation‑based training, and pursue applied research in emerging areas such as green shipping, autonomous vessels, and maritime safety systems. Joint certification programmes, faculty exchanges, and collaborative research initiatives will further strengthen this partnership. Evidence shows that institutions actively engaging with industry achieve up to 40% higher employability outcomes among graduates, and we are confident this collaboration is positioned to deliver similar impact for the next generation of seafarers.
Discipline, Adaptability, and Lifelong Learning…
The maritime profession offers immense opportunity, but success requires discipline, adaptability, and continuous learning. Young professionals should focus on building strong foundational knowledge while embracing emerging technologies and global best practices. The industry is evolving rapidly, and those committed to skill development and ethical standards will achieve sustained success. My advice is simple: remain curious, stay resilient, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. As seafarers, you are ambassadors of a truly global industry, and your contributions will shape its future.
Box 3
Seamless Pathways from Classroom to Sea…
Capt Karthik, Principal, AMET University spoke about the Academy’s distinctive training model, opportunities for collaboration, and his message to aspiring seafarers.
Academy’s Distinctive Training Approach…
The Academy offers a unique blend of traditional learning and innovative, future‑focused training. A key differentiator is the seamless transition from campus learning to onboard training, made possible through industry tie‑ups. Every cadet admitted here receives an appointment order, ensuring their onboard training is secured without delays. Depending on the programme, onboard training ranges from 6 to 18 months. Our emphasis is on hands‑on, skill‑based learning, aligning theory with practice so that graduates are industry‑ready from day one.
Collaboration with V.Ships Learning Academy…
This partnership represents two giants coming together—AMET with three decades of maritime excellence and V.Ships with a global fleet of over 1,000 vessels and 7,700 seafarers. The collaboration opens avenues for industry‑aligned curricula, advanced simulation training, faculty exchange, and applied research. It also extends to cruise industry training through the Oceanic Hospitality Centre, broadening opportunities for cadets in both shipping and hospitality sectors.
Message to Aspiring Seafarers…
Commitment is the cornerstone of success in this industry. Shipping offers rewarding careers, early leadership opportunities, and economic stability, but it demands sacrifice. I often tell cadets that to gain fortune and future, they must be willing to forego the “four Fs”—family, friends, favourite food, and festivals. Seafaring requires resilience, adaptability, and professionalism. Those who embrace these values will find immense opportunities and rapid growth in this truly global industry.