Inauguration of India's first Maritime Simulation Centre at AMET University, in partnership with Maersk
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, last week inaugurated India's first-of-its-kind Maritime Simulation Centre at AMET Knowledge Park, Maersk’s Centre of Excellence, Thenpattinam near Chennai.
Also present at the inauguration ceremony was Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, Mr Peter Winther-Schmidt, Head of Trade and Innovation, Consulate General of Denmark, Bangalore, senior delegates from A.P. Moller – Maersk, and hundreds of budding seafarers.
The cutting-edge facility has been established through a strategic partnership between the Academy of Maritime Education and Training (AMET), a Deemed-to-be University, and A.P. Moller-Maersk. The facility has been established with an investment of INR 13.5 Crore, including support from the A.P. Moller Foundation, which contributed approximately INR 6.5 Crore (USD 750,000) to the project, further strengthening the 25+ year collaboration between AMET and Maersk.
The Maritime Simulation Centre features state-of-the-art technology, including Full Mission Simulators for Deck and Engine operations, Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), and advanced Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) laboratories. These systems will provide cadets with immersive, hands-on training in critical maritime skills, including watchkeeping and steering, collision avoidance, navigation light identification, and engine troubleshooting.
“Our partnership with AMET reflects Maersk's unwavering commitment to career development and giving back to the maritime industry,” said Ms Nynne Norman Scheuer,
Senior Director - Head of Marine People & Culture at Maersk. “By investing in advanced simulation technology and training infrastructure, we are not just developing skilled professionals for our own operations but contributing to the growth of the entire maritime sector. This facility will help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, ensuring that graduates are truly ready for the challenges of modern shipping.”
The Maritime Simulation Centre enables cadets to engage in realistic maritime scenarios within a controlled academic setting, significantly improving their skills before transitioning to real sea operations. Through highly authentic simulations, students will acquire exceptional practical experience and understand the complexities of modern maritime tasks, adhering to the high standards expected in the global maritime sector.
This inauguration further consolidates AMET's reputation as India's premier maritime education institution and underscores the success of its strategic partnership with Maersk.