IIT Madras launches Rs 4.5 crore maritime research facility with Mazagon Dock support

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has launched a new maritime research facility aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities in ocean engineering, ship design and naval technology research.

Built with Rs 4.5 crore in CSR funding from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the newly developed ‘Circulating Water Tunnel Facility’ was inaugurated at IIT Madras’ satellite campus, Discovery, in Thaiyur near Chennai on May 20.

The launch event was attended by IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, Dean (alumni and corporate relations) Ashwin Mahalingam, and Jagmohan, along with other officials from the institute and the defence PSU.

Advanced ocean engineering studies

According to IIT Madras, the facility has been designed to carry out advanced hydrodynamic testing involving ship models, propellers, marine vehicles and offshore structures. The hybrid wind and circulating water channel setup is expected to provide a stable testing environment for research in fluid dynamics and ocean engineering.

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The facility will also strengthen teaching and hands-on training for students and researchers working in maritime and allied sectors.

Speaking at the launch, Ashwin Mahalingam said, “Our partnership with Mazagon Dock marks a significant step forward in strengthening research and technology development in ocean engineering and allied disciplines.”

“The facility will enable advanced experimental studies in hydrodynamics involving ship models, propellers, bluff bodies, marine vehicles, offshore systems, and underwater structures, while also creating valuable training and research opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers working in these domains. We are grateful to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for partnering with IIT Madras in advancing research capabilities and innovation in this strategically important field,” he further added.

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Future collaborations in naval technologies

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders said partnerships between industry and academic institutions are important for building indigenous capabilities in the maritime sector.

Jagmohan, IN (Rtd), CMD of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, said, “At Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, we believe that strengthening India’s maritime capabilities requires sustained investments in research, innovation and academic partnerships.”

He added, “We are pleased to partner with IIT Madras in establishing this advanced Circulating Water Tunnel Facility, which will enable cutting-edge research and nurture future talent in ocean engineering and naval technologies. Such collaborations are important in accelerating indigenous capability development and advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the maritime sector.”

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IIT Madras and Mazagon Dock are also discussing future projects in maritime technology. Among the proposals being explored are the HYDRA Centre, which is planned as a large hydrodynamic testing facility with a 500-metre towing tank, and research on indigenous refrigeration systems for naval submarines and small vessels.