India has unveiled its first Maritime Simulation Centre, a state-of-the-art training facility inaugurated in 2025 at the AMET Knowledge Park near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The centre is a joint initiative between the Academy of Maritime Education and Training (AMET) and global shipping leader A.P. Moller-Maersk, marking a milestone in India’s maritime education landscape.
Developed at an investment of ₹13.5 crore, largely supported by the A.P. Moller Foundation, the project builds on a 25-year partnership between AMET and Maersk. The facility deploys advanced simulation technologies to give cadets hands-on training, aligning their skills with the evolving requirements of global shipping and safety standards.
“Collaborations of this scale will ensure Indian seafarers are trained to meet international benchmarks and future challenges of the maritime industry,” AMET said, highlighting the initiative’s role in strengthening manpower development for India’s blue economy.
Established in 1993, AMET remains India’s only maritime university, training over 4,000 students annually and having produced more than 27,000 graduates to date. Its alumni occupy leadership roles across global shipping, underlining its impact on the sector.
For Maersk, the venture reflects its broader strategy of investing in sustainable supply chains and human capital. The company, which has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, views the centre as a natural extension of its mission to drive innovation and resilience in global trade.
The new Maritime Simulation Centre is expected to transform seafarer training in India, allowing cadets to rehearse complex navigation and operational scenarios in a risk-free environment before they set sail. Industry observers say the initiative not only boosts India’s competitiveness in maritime education but also elevates its standing on the international stage.
