Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai established in 2008 through an Act of Parliament (Act 22) as a Central University, is poised to play a key role in the development of trained human resource for the maritime sector.

Indian Maritime University (IMU) is a Central University headquartered in Chennai, India. It was established in 2008 through an Act of Parliament, the Indian Maritime University Act 2008. The university is dedicated to providing education and training in various areas of maritime studies, including navigation, marine engineering, maritime law, and marine management.

IMU's commitment to excellence has earned it recognition and accreditation with ISO 9001:2015 Certification. This recognition is a testament to its legacy of excellence and innovation, coupled with its commitment to providing world-class education and research programs.

The Chennai campus has a history dating back to 1984 when the National Institute of Port Management (NIPM) was established by the Government of India as an independent body. The NIPM provided professional training courses to individuals working in the ports sector with technical assistance from UNDP/UNCTAD. In 2006, the institute was rebranded as the National Maritime Academy (NMA) with an expanded role to train professionals from all sectors of the maritime industry, including ports. Finally, in 2008, the NMA was merged with the Indian Maritime University (IMU) to become the Chennai Campus of IMU.

The main aim of the university is to facilitate and promote maritime studies, training, research and extension work with focus on emerging areas of studies like oceanography, maritime history, maritime laws, maritime security, search and rescue, transportation of dangerous cargo, environmental studies and other related fields.

IMU is in the category of Professional University intended for fulfilling the requirements of the Maritime Sector. 

IMU presently offers Port & Marine short term courses and degree courses in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering, Ship Building & Repair.