Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, officially inaugurated India’s pioneering Maritime Simulation Centre at AMET Knowledge Park, located at Maersk’s Centre of Excellence in Thenpattinam, near Chennai. The event was attended by Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping; Peter Winther-Schmidt, Head of Trade and Innovation at the Danish Consulate in Bangalore; senior representatives from AP Moller – Maersk; and hundreds of maritime students.
This advanced training centre is the result of a collaboration between the Academy of Maritime Education and Training (AMET), a deemed university, and global shipping leader AP Moller-Maersk. The project, valued at INR 13.5 Crore, was supported in part by the AP Moller Foundation, which contributed around INR 6.5 Crore (approximately USD 750,000). This milestone marks more than 25 years of cooperation between AMET and Maersk.
The centre is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including Full Mission Simulators for deck and engine operations, Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), and high-tech Augmented and Virtual Reality labs. These tools offer students hands-on experience in key maritime tasks such as navigation, collision prevention, engine diagnostics, and watchkeeping under realistic conditions.
Rajesh Ramachandren welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of the partnership between AMET and Maersk. In his remarks, Shri Sonowal praised the collaboration, saying, “This world-class facility is a major step forward in equipping India’s young maritime professionals with the skills needed to succeed globally. AMET and Maersk’s shared dedication to developing talent will strengthen India’s maritime industry and prepare the next generation for international challenges.”
Dr J Ramachandran, Founder and Chancellor of AMET University, reflected on the institution’s journey “Since starting with just 14 cadets over 30 years ago, AMET has grown into a globally respected maritime university. This new simulation centre embodies our commitment to nurturing skilled maritime experts ready for the complexities of modern shipping.”
Nynne Norman Scheuer, Senior Director and Head of Marine People & Culture at Maersk, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to maritime education: “Our investment in this facility supports not only Maersk’s future workforce but also contributes to raising standards across the maritime sector by blending classroom knowledge with practical training.”
Through realistic, simulated maritime environments, the centre allows students to develop critical skills and gain valuable experience before heading out to sea, ensuring they meet international standards and are prepared for real-world challenges. This launch strengthens AMET’s position as India’s leading maritime education institution and highlights the success of its enduring alliance with Maersk, which continues to innovate and elevate maritime training on both national and global stages.
AP Moller – Maersk is a global logistics powerhouse operating in nearly 130 countries, serving over 100,000 customers with a workforce exceeding 100,000 employees. The company aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 through new technologies, vessels, and renewable energy solutions.
Founded in 1993, AMET University in Chennai was India’s first maritime university. It now educates more than 4,000 students annually in various maritime disciplines and has a strong alumni network of over 27,000 graduates worldwide, including many in senior positions within the shipping industry. Accredited with NAAC ‘A’ Grade, AMET is recognized among the top maritime universities globally.
