The Indian Maritime University (IMU), in collaboration with DMET-MERI Alumni and the Institute of Marine Engineers (India), Mumbai Branch, hosted a final session of I-ESKIMO 2025—India’s premier Mock International Maritime Organization (IMO) session on October 9, 2025, at Ravindra Natya Mandir (Karishma Theater), Prabhadevi, Mumbai.
I-ESKIMO (Indian ESKIMO – IMU Mock IMO Session) is an annual initiative that has immersed students in realistic IMO-style debates on maritime conventions, safety, and environmental policy. Designed to strengthen policy understanding, leadership, and communication skills, the program has bridged academic theory with international maritime governance. Over four successful editions, I-ESKIMO has become a benchmark event for maritime education in India. The 2025 edition saw record participation with 204 teams and 163 research submissions, underscoring the growing enthusiasm among young maritime professionals to engage in global regulatory discourse.
To ensure rigorous academic evaluation, IMU has invited Shri Dilip Mehrotra, former Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, as Judge for I-ESKIMO 2025. His extensive policy and administrative experience will enrich the academic credibility and outcome of the event.
The event was graced by Shri Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, as the Chief Guest, Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde, IPS, Addl. Director General of Shipping, and Shri Rajeev Nayyer President IME(I) as Guests of Honour in the presence of Dr (Mrs.) Malini V. Shankar, IAS (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, Dr Rajoo Balaji, Pro Vice Chancellor, Cmde KD Joshi (IN) retd, Capt Mihir Chandra Director IMU Navi Mumbai Campus and Capt SC Panigrahy Director IMU Mumbai Port Campus.
A major announcement at this year’s session was about signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Maritime University and the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Mumbai. The agreement will pave the way for specialized training programs to enable IHM graduates to work aboard international cruise ships, with IMU providing the mandatory maritime certification required for cruise ship personnel. This strategic collaboration brings together India’s maritime and hospitality sectors to strengthen employability in the fast-growing global cruise.
