Caravel Group acquires Indian training academy IMI
NEW DELHI : Caravel Group Chairman and CEO Dr. Harry S. Banga and COO Angad Banga have acquired International Maritime Institute (IMI), a maritime academy in the north of India.
The not-for-profit acquisition is a long-term investment in educating maritime professionals and creating career opportunities for the next generation, said Hong Kong-based Caravel Group, ensuring the next generation of seafarers equipped to operate modern fleets and new technologies in an evolving regulatory landscape.
IMI’s pre-sea training programmes will continue to develop future ship officers, and specialised courses will be introduced in emerging maritime technologies, alternative fuels, and sustainability-driven operations.
The group said IMI’s knowledge and expertise will be applied to support the learning and development programmes for its 28,000-strong workforce across ship management subsidiary Fleet Management Limited and its other maritime operations. Advanced simulator training and digital navigation courses will be offered, alongside expanded leadership programmes to support career progression from cadet training to senior command roles.
The Caravel Group said it is committed to preserving the legacy of IMI, which was established in 1991, while investing in curriculum enhancements, faculty development, and expanded career placement programmes.
Angad Banga, COO of The Caravel Group, said: “Our industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with digitalisation, automation, and sustainability reshaping the way ships are operated. IMI will play a crucial role in ensuring that seafarers are equipped with the skills they need to excel.”
Dr. Harry S. Banga, a qualified Master Mariner, said: “The lessons that I learned at the Training Ship (T.S.) Dufferinhave stayed with me throughout my career. It is vital that we create opportunities for the next generation to learn and succeed.”
Capt. GPS Bhalla, the IMI promoter director, said: “The International Maritime Institute has built a strong foundation through long-standing industry partnerships and a commitment to excellence in maritime training. Under The Caravel Group, and the Banga family’s stewardship, IMI will continue to provide exceptional career development opportunities and shape the next generation of maritime professionals for decades to come.”