The first Indian Maritime academic university was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Mr. M Karunanidhi. The university is the first of its kind; the industry is expecting good output of shipping professionals. The university is situated at a sea side venue in Uthandi and it would begin its academic year in June 2009.

The Union shipping minister TR Baalu was also present at the inaugural function stated that the university has tied up with Dalian Maritime University for MBA in Port management, with Shanghai Maritime University and Antwerp University for MBA in international transportation and logistics management, with University of Malta for a degree in maritime law and with Delft University, Netherlands for a degree course in dredging.