Partnership Overview

On 2 July 2026, MLA College—a UK higher‑education institution specialising in maritime, environmental and sustainability studies—and the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) (IMEI) formally launched a strategic partnership aimed at expanding access to internationally recognised UK postgraduate education for Indian maritime professionals. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed during Singapore Maritime Week 2026, and the launch reception was held at The Lalit, Mumbai.

Attendees and Endorsements

The event attracted approximately 150 senior leaders from government, industry and academia, underscoring broad sector support. Key attendees included Shri Killi Mohana Rao, Chief Surveyor of the Directorate General of Shipping; Sanjeev Mehra, Chairman of IMEI; Mohan Singh Pal, Director (METC) of IMEI; and Krishnan Subramaniam, Chief Learning Officer of Transworld Academy of Excellence and International Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. Representatives from major maritime firms—Maersk, Maersk Tankers, The Shipping Corporation of India, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Anglo Eastern Ship Management, Indian Register of Shipping—and professional services firm KPMG were also present.

Rationale and Industry Context

The partnership is positioned as a response to India’s accelerating ambition to become a leading global maritime nation through investments in ports, logistics, green shipping and maritime innovation. Simultaneously, the global maritime industry is undergoing transformation driven by decarbonisation, digitalisation, evolving international regulations and shifting workforce expectations. By combining MLA College’s expertise in flexible UK higher education with IMEI’s extensive professional network, the collaboration seeks to strengthen workforce capability and support long‑term industry growth.

Academic Programme Offering

Three fully online postgraduate programmes are now available to eligible maritime professionals across India:

  • MSc Engineering for Marine Professionals
  • MSc Sustainable Maritime Operations (including specialist modules on Maritime Decarbonisation and Social Sustainability in the Maritime Industry)
  • MBA Maritime Operations

The programmes are designed for professionals preparing for or progressing beyond First Engineer and Chief Engineer Certificates of Competency, enabling them to continue working while earning British qualifications.

Validation and Institutional Backing

All programmes are validated by the University of Plymouth, a UK university renowned for marine and maritime education. MLA College operates under GEDU Global Education, an international education group active in 15 countries with a community of more than 85,000 students and learners from over 75 countries.

Statements from Leadership

Prof. Mohammad Dastbaz, Principal and CEO of MLA College, stated that India is one of the world’s most important maritime nations and that the partnership makes internationally recognised UK postgraduate education more accessible while developing leadership, innovation and sustainability capabilities needed for the industry’s future. Kaushik Seal, President of IMEI, described the collaboration as a significant milestone, creating new opportunities for Indian marine engineers to pursue professional and academic development without leaving employment, thereby supporting the sector’s growth and competitiveness.

Expected Impact

The partnership aims to enhance technical expertise, leadership, and sustainability knowledge among India’s maritime workforce, equipping professionals to meet the sector’s decarbonisation and digitalisation challenges and to sustain India’s expanding role in the global maritime economy.