India is traditionally a maritime nation and has a rich maritime heritage. History documents trade links of India had with other nations of the world from the ages of Harappan civilization. With a long coast from the State of West Bengal on the East to State of Gujarat on the West. India, today moves 95% of its traded goods by volume to the rest of the world. Ports & Shipping form the integral part of the maritime sector contribute greatly to the economic growth of the country.
The Indian Maritime University, established through an Act of Parliament on 14/11/2008 as Central University, is poised to play a key role in the development of required human resource for the maritime sector. The Indian Maritime University, being the first of its kind in the country will cater to the educational requirement of the maritime fraternity. It is a teaching and affiliating University which will offer degree, post graduate degree and research programmes in all disciplines of maritime sector.
The University headquarters at Chennai will be built up in an area of about 106 acres out of 300 acres of land at Semmancherry village which lies in between East Coast Road and Rajiv Gandhi Salai (IT Express Way).
The IMU will have its headquarters at Chennai and regional campuses at Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. The government institutions referred are at present offering Port & marine short term courses and degree courses in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering which will hereafter come under the University.
Indian Maritime University,Chennai campus is located on a 20 acre scenic beachfront property on the outskirts of Chennai, a bustling cosmopolitan city. A 25 km drive along the East Coast Road hugging the coastline takes on to the exquisitely designed edifice, an architectural marvel, set amidst lush green sylvan surroundings. The sprawling campus houses the academic block, hostel, residential and recreational facilities.
The academy was established in 1985 with the technical assistance from UNDP/ UNCTAD to offer courses of reputable standards. It is credited with ISO 9001:2000 Certification and accredited as grade 1 rating by ICRA.
IMU has apprehended the importance of management education in port,shipping and transportation industries. In today's globalization era, trade is important for developing countries like India in rising the economy. So, it is important for the country to have management professionals in trade related activities for effectiveness. It has started management courses such as MBA IN INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT & MBA IN PORT AND SHIPPING MANAGEMENT in 2009 at Chennai campus.
