The partnership was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding during Singapore Maritime Week 2026 and was officially launched at the MLA College India Launch Reception held on 2 July 2026 at The Lalit, Mumbai.
The launch event brought together around 150 senior representatives from government, the maritime industry, higher education and business sectors, highlighting growing cooperation between industry and academia to prepare the next generation of maritime leaders.
The event was attended by Shri Killi Mohana Rao, Chief Surveyor, Directorate General of Shipping; Sanjeev Mehra, Chairman, The Institute of Marine Engineers (India); Mohan Singh Pal, Director (METC), The Institute of Marine Engineers (India); and Krishnan Subramaniam, Chief Learning Officer, Transworld Academy of Excellence and International Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.
Representatives from leading organisations including Maersk, Maersk Tankers, The Shipping Corporation of India, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Anglo Eastern Ship Management, Indian Register of Shipping and KPMG also participated in the event, demonstrating widespread support for advancing maritime education, professional development and industry collaboration across India.
As India continues to strengthen its position as a major global maritime nation through investments in ports, logistics, green shipping and maritime innovation, the demand for highly skilled maritime professionals has increased significantly. The global maritime sector is also undergoing major transformation due to decarbonisation, digitalisation, evolving international regulations and changing workforce requirements.
The MLA College and Institute of Marine Engineers (India) partnership aims to address these emerging challenges by providing experienced maritime professionals in India with greater access to flexible and internationally recognised UK postgraduate education.
The collaboration establishes a framework for cooperation in maritime education, professional development, academic engagement, research and knowledge exchange. By combining MLA College’s expertise in flexible UK higher education with the Institute of Marine Engineers (India)’s extensive professional network and long-standing presence in India’s maritime sector, the partnership aims to strengthen workforce capabilities and support the industry’s long-term growth.
Through MLA College’s fully online and flexible learning model, maritime professionals can pursue British postgraduate qualifications without relocating overseas, allowing them to continue their careers while advancing their education.
The initial programmes introduced under the partnership include MSc Engineering for Marine Professionals, MSc Sustainable Maritime Operations and MBA Maritime Operations. Eligible maritime professionals across India can now apply for these programmes.
The programmes are designed particularly for professionals preparing for or progressing beyond their First Engineer and Chief Engineer Certificates of Competency. Along with enhancing technical expertise, the courses focus on developing leadership, strategic thinking and management capabilities required in today’s global maritime industry.
Reflecting the sector’s transition towards sustainable practices, MLA College’s MSc Sustainable Maritime Operations programme includes specialised modules in Maritime Decarbonisation and Social Sustainability in the Maritime Industry. These modules aim to equip professionals with the knowledge required to address the growing emphasis on sustainable shipping, environmental responsibility and responsible maritime operations.
Prof. Mohammad Dastbaz, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of MLA College, said, “India is one of the world’s most important maritime nations and its influence will only continue to grow. Through our partnership with The Institute of Marine Engineers (India), we are making internationally recognised UK postgraduate education more accessible to experienced maritime professionals while helping develop the leadership, innovation and sustainability capabilities needed for the future of the industry. Together, we look forward to strengthening collaboration between the United Kingdom and India while investing in the people who will shape the future of global shipping.”
Kaushik Seal, President of The Institute of Marine Engineers (India), said, “This partnership represents a significant milestone for IMEI and our members, and we believe it is the first collaboration of its kind in the Indian maritime education landscape. By combining IMEI’s strong professional network and premier infrastructure with MLA College’s internationally recognised UK postgraduate programmes, we are creating new opportunities for Indian marine engineers to continue their professional and academic development while remaining in employment. Together, we are helping to equip maritime professionals with the knowledge, leadership skills and global perspective needed to support the continued growth and competitiveness of India’s maritime sector.”
The partnership reflects MLA College’s long-term commitment to India and its focus on working with industry, employers and professional bodies to support the development of future maritime leaders. As part of GEDU Global Education, an international education group operating across 15 countries with a community of more than 85,000 students, MLA College continues to expand access to internationally recognised UK higher education through strategic partnerships supporting workforce development, innovation and industry advancement.
With learners from more than 75 countries, MLA College has established itself as a provider of flexible, industry-focused postgraduate education for working professionals. Its programmes are validated by the University of Plymouth, one of the United Kingdom’s leading universities with a strong reputation in marine and maritime education.
Through this partnership, MLA College and the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) reaffirm their commitment to lifelong learning, professional excellence and the development of maritime leaders capable of supporting India’s growing influence in the global maritime economy.
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