MCE to provide high-quality maritime education to Indian cadets

Jagdamba Prasad Pandey

AMET has created a new 150-acre campus called “AMET Knowledge Park” as a sign of its progress towards becoming a multidisciplinary university. Located along the East Coast Road in Thenpattinam, Chengalpattu District, this campus is poised to house a wide range of academic, research, training, and outreach programs spanning multiple domains such as Maritime, Information Technology, Medical, Law, Life Sciences, and Agriculture. Mrs Susheela Ramachandran, Managing Trustee of AMET inaugurated the AMET Knowledge Park on 29^th June.

The first “Maersk Centre of Excellence (MCE),” an industry-academia partnership between AMET University and A.P. Moller – Maersk, Denmark, is a noteworthy addition to the AMET Knowledge Park. MCE aims to provide high-quality maritime education to Indian maritime cadets. Mr Niels H Bruus, Vice President-Head of Marine People and Culture, A.P. Moller – Maersk inaugurated MCE. The selection of Indian cadets for training at MCE is carried out through a joint admission drive conducted by AMET and A.P. Moller – Maersk.

The Hostel block was also officially opened by Mrs K Indubala, Project Director DRDA and representative of the District Collector, Chengalpattu District, while the Canteen block was inaugurated by Capt Karan Kochhar, Director, Head of Marine People Asia, Maersk Fleet Management and Technology (I) Pvt Ltd, Mumbai.

MCE encompasses an Academic block, Hostel block, Canteen, Parade ground, Playground, and Cafeteria with state-of-the-art facilities and Laboratories equipped with the latest technology for all subjects.

In his address, Dr Rajesh Ramachandran, Pro-Chancellor of the University welcomed all the dignitaries and the audience. He highlighted that setting up the new campus was a bold step. This Maersk Centre of Excellence would be a hub for innovation and training. He also stated, that this initiative would be transformative.

Dr J Ramachandran, Founder and Chancellor of the University appreciated his life partner Mrs Ramachandran who has always been a source of strength and a pillar of support in his tumultuous journey. He went on to mention that it was his goodwill with Mr Bruus that sowed the seed in Copenhagen for the establishment of MCE. He also recalled his triumphant journey towards establishing AMET and the present new Campus at Thenpattinam. He assured that this innovative initiative will certainly be a remarkable renaissance in blossoming the life of Indian Youth.

The Guest of Honour – Mrs K Indubala said that she was very delighted and pleased with MCE being the first of its kind in India and this would create an intellectual awakening among the economically weak rural students. She also emphasised that she looked forward to employment being generated as a result of this noble initiative.

Mr Bruus stated that it is a great honour to be a part of the official inauguration of MCE. MCE is a result of a unique collaboration between Maersk and AMET – an esteemed academic partner, and a fulfilment of the vision of Dr Ramachandran presented to him at Copenhagen in 2019. He also thanked Dr Ramachandran and his team for their dedication in fulfilling the vision. Furthermore, he said that a vision without action was merely a dream, and today a dream coming true was witnessed, thanks to the dedicated action by Dr Ramachandran and his team.

“Maersk’s partnership with AMET University which began with their first recruitment drive in 1996 has stood the test of time and is a testament to the exceptional quality of education provided. The rich history shared with India and the strong partnership with AMET University have laid a solid foundation for the establishment of MCE,” expressed Mr Bruus.

In an industry driven by technological advancements, staying updated is crucial. Maersk Centre of Excellence recognizes this imperative and is dedicated to regularly connecting cadets and teachers with Maersk leadership teams across the organization. These connections will keep them abreast of emerging technologies and ensure that their training aligns with the latest advancements in technology and the rapidly evolving maritime landscape. Furthermore, it will ensure that the distinctive Maersk culture is instilled in the cadets throughout their education.

MCE is built upon the pillars of equal opportunity and respect, and firmly believes in creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning space for the students, fostering a diversity of thought, and providing a nurturing environment that upholds respect, fairness, and a strong sense of belonging for all.

Capt Kochhar emphasised, “With a commitment to diversity, respect and capability building the Maersk Centre of Excellence will aim to create an equitable and psychologically safe learning environment for cadets, our future leaders of tomorrow.”

These statements from Mr Bruus and Capt Kochhar highlight the shared vision and aspirations of the MCE and its commitment to developing skilled and principled professionals who will contribute to the maritime industry’s growth and progress. The focus is not only on providing education and training but also on fostering an inclusive environment where cadets can thrive and develop their skills.

Arvind Shankar, Culture & Capability Manager, A.P. Moller – Maersk proposed the vote of thanks.

Marex Media

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Significance of Maersk Centre of Excellence

MCE is set to operate as a specialized centre in India exclusively for Maersk cadets. These cadets will undergo training within the centre and subsequently work exclusively for A.P. Moller – Maersk. The primary focus of the MCE is to ensure that the training and academic standards provided are on par with international benchmarks, ensuring the cadets receive high-quality education and training. At the MCE, there will be equal opportunity for women to participate in academics and recreation, and the entire ecosystem will be sensitized to create a psychologically safe learning environment for women.