Mumbai: Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd (SDHI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Maritime University (IMU) to establish dedicated Centres of Excellence focused on shipbuilding, naval architecture, training and research. The MoU was sealed during a thematic session at IMU’s Chennai campus, held just prior to India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025.
These centres will operate across both the SDHI shipyard and IMU campuses, blending academic learning with industrial experience. IMU will contribute simulated training programmes, while SDHI will provide hands-on industrial training, particularly targeting ITI graduates to generate employment in upcoming shipyards.
Beyond these centres, the partners plan to collaborate with educational institutions, vocational training providers and government departments to strengthen skill development initiatives in line with India’s maritime ambitions.
The MoU was signed by Rajeev Nayyer, Advisor at SDHI, and Commodore K.D. Joshi, Controller of Examinations at IMU. The ceremony was attended by senior dignitaries including Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Dr Malini V Shankar, Vice-Chancellor of IMU.
On the infrastructure side, SDHI brings to the partnership its state-of-the-art shipyard located in Pipavav, Gujarat a facility that features India’s largest dry dock (662 m × 65 m), a massive Goliath crane with 600-tonne lifting capacity, and over 2.4 million sq ft of covered fabrication area.
Commenting on the collaboration, Rajeev Nayyer said, “India’s maritime future depends on a solid foundation of skilled talent and cutting-edge technology. This partnership with IMU represents a unique convergence of academic excellence and industrial capability. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of professionals who will strengthen India’s self-reliance and global leadership in shipbuilding and marine innovation.”
This strategic alliance aligns closely with broader sectoral priorities. It is part of a larger thematic initiative by IMU titled “Transforming Indian Ports: Capacity Building, Sustainability and Digital Innovation,” which advances the goals of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The agenda also includes port capacity expansion, digital transformation through IoT, AI and blockchain, and sustainability under the Harit Sagar guidelines.
BI Bureau
