The Indian Maritime University (IMU), in partnership with DMET-MERI Alumni and the Institute of Marine Engineers (India), Mumbai Branch, successfully conducted the final session of I-ESKIMO 2025 on October 9, 2025, at Ravindra Natya Mandir in Mumbai. This event, India’s foremost Mock International Maritime Organization (IMO) session, featured notable attendees, including Shri Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, who served as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished guests included Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde, IPS, and Shri Rajeev Nayyer, President of IME(I), alongside various academic leaders from IMU.
Shri Thakur expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its role in connecting academia with industry and fostering a new generation of maritime professionals equipped to advance India’s blue economy. I-ESKIMO aims to immerse students in realistic debates on maritime conventions, safety, and environmental policies, enhancing their understanding and skills in leadership and communication. This year’s edition saw unprecedented participation, with 204 teams and 163 research submissions, reflecting the growing engagement of young maritime professionals in global regulatory discussions.
A significant development announced during the session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IMU and the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Mumbai. This agreement will facilitate specialized training for IHM graduates to work on international cruise ships, with IMU providing essential maritime certification. This collaboration aims to strengthen employability in the expanding cruise sector, merging maritime and hospitality industries.
To ensure the academic rigor of the event, IMU appointed Shri Dilip Mehrotra, former Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, as a judge for I-ESKIMO 2025. His extensive experience in policy and administration is expected to enhance the credibility and outcomes of this significant initiative in maritime education.
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