A 140% Growth of Seafarers in India Highlights Indian Maritime University’s 9th convocation

Former Foreign Secretary of India, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, highlighted the significant growth in the number of seafarers over the past nine years, with a 140% increase. Speaking at the ninth convocation of the Indian Maritime University in Chennai on October 7, 2024, he emphasized the role of the university in producing seafarers, leading to a workforce of nearly three lakh individuals. Notably, the number of women seafarers has surged by over 500%, with more than 10,000 women now working in the industry.

During the Global Maritime Summit last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s goal to become one of the top five ship-building nations globally. Mr. Shringla underscored the Maritime Mission’s objective to elevate India to a premier seafaring nation with world-class education. The vice-chancellor of the Indian Maritime University, Malini V. Shankar, presented the annual report during the convocation, outlining various initiatives and Memoranda of Understanding signed by the university.

The convocation saw 1,974 students graduating from the Indian Maritime University, reflecting the institution’s commitment to producing skilled professionals for the maritime industry. The event also served as a platform to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the graduating students. The convocation ceremony was a testament to the university’s dedication to nurturing talent and fostering growth in the maritime sector, aligning with India’s vision to excel in ship-building and maritime education on a global scale.

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