MP pitches national maritime university in Mangaluru
The meeting follows detailed discussion Capt. Chowta had with the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways T.K. Ramachandran in Delhi on Tuesday during which the MP had strongly pitched for Mangaluru to house the university proposed by him.
According to Capt. Chowta, the university proposed aims to serve as a world-class centre for maritime education, research, and innovation, while commemorating the legacy of Rani Abbakka, a naval warrior.
In a letter submitted to the Minister the MP said that Mangaluru offers ideal conditions for hosting a national-level maritime university. The Western coast's importance in trade, national security and the blue economy further reinforces the strategic merit of the location, that is Mangaluru.
'...I request to constitute an expert committee to explore and recommend a framework for the university, ask New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) to prepare a detailed project report and initiate an inter-Ministerial and stakeholder consultations as appropriate...,' the letter said.
Capt. Chowta said: '...India's maritime sector is undergoing a transformational phase – transitioning towards cleaner fuels like LNG and methanol, integrating AI-based technologies for vessel and cargo management, and expanding deep draft and trans shipment port capacities. This dynamic environment requires a future-ready workforce trained in disciplines such as marine engineering, maritime law, port and terminal management and maritime informatics...'
The MP said that if the university came up it will cater to the needs mentioned by him through a comprehensive academic portfolio including B.Tech, B.Sc, BBA, M.Tech, MBA, M.Sc and diploma programmes. 'It will serve as a critical institutional anchor to nurture skilled professionals, foster innovation and research and support policy development for India's maritime advancement.'
Capt. Chowta said that setting up the university will be timely now as 2025 marks the 500th birth anniversary of Rani Abbakka and coincides with the golden jubilee of NMPA.
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