India has a long coastline of over 11000 kms. over 1300 islands and islets and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of over two million sq. kms. India has 12 major ports (a few emerging) and over 200 non-major ports. Over 90 % of India’s trade by volume transits by sea and other waterways. India has a vibrant shipbuilding industry, a thriving fishing industry, offshore oil and gas interests and deep seabed mining areas in the central Indian Ocean.
Aligning with the national vision and India's leading position as a maritime nation there was a long felt need for creation of a think tank focusing on studies related to maritime sector. This centre would act as an academic reflector and help in India's work at IMO, etc., and take forward the vision envisaged under Viksit Bharat and such initiatives. Policy decision making and setting the direction would be rooted in well delibrated scientific approach.
The Centre was inaugurated by Shri. Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India on November 4, 2022 at IMU, Semmencherry Premises.
The C-PRiMeS logo reflects the Centre's identity as a specialised maritime policy research unit within the Indian Maritime University (IMU). Its overall circular form aligns with the parent institution's visual identity, symbolising C-PRiMeS as an integral part of the wider IMU ecosystem. The Sanskrit motto, Policy Oceans – Oceans of Policies, draws inspiration from IMU's philosophy of Oceans of Knowledge, highlighting the Centre's commitment to advancing maritime policy research and discourse. The interspaced brown ring represents the traditional ship's helm featured in the IMU logo, signifying continuity with the University's maritime heritage, while the blue elements symbolise the oceans that are central to the Centre's work. The compass pointers signify direction, guidance, and strategic insight, reflecting C-PRiMeS' role in supporting evidence-based policymaking. At the centre, the white swan symbolises wisdom, discernment, and the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood, embodying the Centre's commitment to rigorous research and informed policy analysis.
To be a globally preferred knowledge base for Policy Advisory in the Maritime Domain
To build a repository of maritime affairs; to engage with effective analysis and interpretation on policy issues
To promote studies, training and activities related to maritime topics
To generate high-quality, evidence-based research on maritime policy
To contribute to administration and other stakeholders on real life maritime challenges
To seek knowledge and funding support from industry, academia and other stakeholders in the form of assignments and research projects
To act as a forum in bringing together maritime professionals and policy makers
Pro-Vice Chancellor & Head C-PRiMeS
Dean (CTR) i/c
Deputy Registrar i/c
Academic Consultant
Junior Research Fellow
Research Assistant