Inauguration of Dr. Ravi K Mehrotra Centre of Excellence in Maritime (RKMCoEM) at IMU Kolkata

The Indian Maritime University (IMU), Kolkata Campus, proudly inaugurated the Dr. Ravi K Mehrotra Centre of Excellence in Maritime (CoEM) on 18th July 2025. This landmark event marks a significant step in the university’s mission to promote innovation, research, and excellence in maritime education and seafaring with the support of its Alumni and Industry partners.

The Centre is the result of a generous endowment by Dr. Ravi K Mehrotra, an illustrious alumnus of IMU Kolkata Campus (the erstwhile Directorate of Marine Engineering Training (DMET), Kolkata) and Founder of the Foresight Group, United Kingdom. His enduring commitment to maritime excellence led to a formal MoU between IMU and RK Mehrotra Holdings Limited (RKMHL), signed on 5th August 2024.

Under the terms of the MoU, RKMHL had endowed USD 20 million over five years towards advancing the objectives of the Centre. Additionally, RKMHL is bearing the construction cost for the dedicated Dr. Ravi Mehrotra CoEM building, a 5,500 sq. ft. facility located within IMU’s Kolkata Campus. The foundation stone for the Centre was laid on 20th January 2025, culminating in the grand inauguration presided over by Dr. Ravi K Mehrotra himself.

The inaugural event was graced by Dr. Malini V. Shankar, IAS, Vice Chancellor of IMU, along with dignitaries from the maritime sector, IMU alumni, industry stakeholders, and key university officials, including Dr. Rajoo Balaji, Pro-Vice Chancellor; K Saravanan Registrar, Cmde K.D. Joshi (Retd), Controller of Examination; R Adm Amit Bose Director IMU Kolkata Campus, M. Saravanan, Finance Officer; V.K. Singh, Chief Engineer, CPWD Kolkata and other important dignitaries from the IMU Alumni community and Maritime Industry.

Objectives of the Centre of Excellence in Maritime (CoEM):

• Promote research and development initiatives in maritime technology and practices.
• Conduct advanced training and academic programs for IMU students and maritime professionals.
• Foster partnerships with shipping companies, ports, and allied maritime stakeholders.

Already, the Centre has initiated work in niche research areas such as improving the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) through biofuels and developing a comprehensive toolkit for fuel optimisation in merchant shipping. Future research plans include exploring alternate fuels and integrating Artificial Intelligence into maritime operations.

The CoEM stands as a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and sustainable maritime development, aimed at shaping the future of the Indian maritime sector by empowering young seafarers through cutting-edge research and forward-thinking solutions.