Strategic Partnership Announced
UK higher education institution MLA College and the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) (IMEI) have officially launched a strategic partnership to expand access to internationally recognised UK postgraduate education for India's maritime professionals. The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during Singapore Maritime Week 2026, was officially launched at the MLA College India Launch Reception held on 2 July 2026 at The Lalit, Mumbai. Around 150 senior leaders from government, the maritime industry, higher education and business attended the event, demonstrating strong support for greater collaboration between industry and academia.
Key Attendees and Industry Support
Among those in attendance were Shri Killi Mohana Rao, Chief Surveyor, 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 Maersk, Maersk Tankers, The Shipping Corporation of India, Eastern Pacific Shipping, Anglo Eastern Ship Management, Indian Register of Shipping and KPMG also attended, highlighting broad support for strengthening maritime education and professional development across India.
Addressing Industry Transformation
As India strengthens its position as a leading global maritime nation through investment in ports, logistics, green shipping and maritime innovation, the need for highly skilled professionals is growing. The global maritime industry is undergoing significant transformation driven by decarbonisation, digitalisation, evolving international regulations and changing workforce expectations. The MLA College and IMEI partnership aims to address these challenges by expanding access to flexible, internationally recognised UK postgraduate education for experienced maritime professionals in India.
Programmes Offered
The initial programmes available through the partnership include:
- MSc Engineering for Marine Professionals
- MSc Sustainable Maritime Operations
- MBA Maritime Operations
These programmes are delivered fully online, allowing maritime professionals to continue working while earning British postgraduate qualifications without relocating overseas. The programmes are particularly relevant for professionals preparing for or progressing beyond their First Engineer and Chief Engineer Certificates of Competency (CoC). Alongside technical expertise, they are designed to develop leadership, strategic thinking and management capabilities required across the global maritime industry.
Focus on Sustainability
Reflecting the sector's continued transformation, the MSc Sustainable Maritime Operations programme includes specialist modules in Maritime Decarbonisation and Social Sustainability in the Maritime Industry. These modules equip professionals with the knowledge needed to respond to the industry's increasing focus on sustainable shipping, environmental stewardship and responsible maritime operations.
Quotes from Leaders
Prof. Mohammad Dastbaz, Principal and CEO of MLA College, said, 'India is one of the world's most important maritime nations and its influence will only continue to grow. Through our partnership with The Institute of Marine Engineers (India), we are making internationally recognised UK postgraduate education more accessible to experienced maritime professionals while helping develop the leadership, innovation and sustainability capabilities needed for the future of the industry.'
Kaushik Seal, President of IMEI, said, 'This partnership represents a significant milestone for IMEI and our members, and we believe it is the first collaboration of its kind in the Indian maritime education landscape. By combining IMEI's strong professional network and premier infrastructure with MLA College's internationally recognised UK postgraduate programmes, we are creating new opportunities for Indian marine engineers to continue their professional and academic development while remaining in employment.'
Commitment to India
The partnership reflects MLA College's long-term commitment to India and its ambition to work closely with industry, employers and professional bodies to support the development of future maritime leaders. As part of GEDU Global Education, an international education group with operations across 15 countries and a community of more than 85,000 students, MLA College continues to expand access to internationally recognised UK higher education through strategic partnerships that support workforce development, innovation and industry advancement.
About MLA College
MLA College is a UK higher education institution specialising in maritime, environmental and sustainability education. Through fully online, flexible and industry-focused postgraduate programmes, the College enables working professionals across more than 75 countries to earn internationally recognised UK qualifications while continuing their careers. MLA College is part of GEDU Global Education, offering educational opportunities from K-12 through to postgraduate degrees, apprenticeships and language schools. Its programmes are validated by the University of Plymouth, one of the UK's leading universities with a long-standing reputation in marine and maritime education.
