Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), one of India’s leading private skill universities, achieved another major milestone with the inauguration of the School of Maritime Studies at its Jatni campus in Odisha. The new school was formally inaugurated by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India.
I am writing about this because the launch of the School of Maritime Studies represents a significant step in India’s efforts to connect higher education with the country’s fast-growing maritime and logistics sector. With global trade increasingly dependent on maritime infrastructure, such institutions are vital for building a skilled workforce ready for emerging blue economy careers. It’s important to recognise how skill universities like Centurion are aligning education with employability, ensuring that students are trained for real-world challenges rather than just classroom theory.
Minister Inaugurates New Maritime School
During the inauguration ceremony, Shri Jayant Chaudhary lauded Centurion University for its commitment to creating an ecosystem that combines academic learning with hands-on skill development. He said, “Team Centurion has worked with remarkable comprehensiveness, and the leadership at the university is deeply committed to transforming education through effective skill integration. The objective is to equip students with practical, industry-aligned competencies, ensuring that they not only earn certificates and diplomas but also become truly employable with secure and sustainable career prospects.”
The Minister also appreciated Centurion University’s focus on vocational excellence, adding that the maritime sector holds immense potential for youth employment, both domestically and internationally.
Focus on the Maritime and Blue Economy
The School of Maritime Studies has been established to cater to India’s growing maritime industry, which is an essential part of the Blue Economy — encompassing shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, and marine technology. The school aims to provide specialised education and training in various aspects of maritime studies, including navigation, port operations, marine engineering, logistics, and supply chain management.
Experts believe that with India’s vast coastline and increasing investments in ports and shipping, skilled manpower in the maritime domain is crucial. The new school will help bridge the industry-academia gap by offering courses that combine theoretical knowledge with field-based experience.
Centurion University’s Vision for Skill-Based Learning
Centurion University has long been recognised for its “Skill-Integrated Higher Education” model. It combines classroom instruction with vocational and industry-linked programmes to prepare students for employment and entrepreneurship. The newly established School of Maritime Studies fits seamlessly into this model by promoting experiential learning and applied research in the maritime sector.
The university’s approach to education emphasises practice-oriented training, with students learning through simulation labs, internships, and live projects. This not only enhances technical proficiency but also builds confidence and problem-solving ability — qualities highly valued in maritime careers.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure and Industry Partnerships
The School of Maritime Studies will be equipped with advanced laboratories, ship simulation facilities, and port operation modules to provide real-time learning experiences. Centurion University has also signed MoUs with several maritime and logistics companies, ensuring that students have access to industry exposure, internships, and placement opportunities.
The programmes under the new school are designed in collaboration with national and international maritime organisations, ensuring that the curriculum meets global standards. This partnership-based model will allow students to earn globally recognised certifications, opening doors to opportunities beyond India’s shores.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Workforce
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, India’s maritime industry supports over 1.5 million jobs, and this number is projected to grow rapidly in the next decade. However, there remains a shortage of skilled professionals in areas like ship management, marine engineering, logistics, and port operations.
By launching the School of Maritime Studies, Centurion University is directly contributing to the Government of India’s vision of “Skill India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. The initiative is expected to help India strengthen its position as a hub for maritime education and training in South Asia.
A Step Towards Sustainable Development
Apart from skill development, the new maritime school also aims to promote sustainable practices in marine and coastal management. It will focus on research and training in areas such as:
- Marine environment conservation
- Renewable energy in maritime systems
- Green shipping technologies
- Sustainable logistics and transport systems
This aligns with India’s commitment to environmentally responsible maritime development, an area that is gaining global attention.
