India’s expansive 7,500-kilometer coastline, featuring 12 major ports and over 200 minor ones, is crucial to its maritime legacy. Positioned along busy shipping routes, India is a key player in global trade, contributing 16 per cent to global growth in 2023 and on track to become the third-largest economy within three years. As the maritime sector grows, so does the demand for skilled professionals in shipping and logistics. An MBA in maritime management presents exciting job opportunities in India and internationally. 

This blog will explore the Executive Master of Business Administration in Maritime Management, Logistics, and Supply Chain program at IIM Mumbai and its career prospects.

What are the unique course offerings?

IIM Mumbai, in collaboration with the Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI), has launched an Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Maritime Management, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management in August 2024. 

This partnership with CMMI, one of the leading organisations for Master Mariners in India with over 3,500 members nationwide, gives students a distinct advantage. CMMI promotes high standards within the Merchant Navy and emphasises the importance of having highly qualified and ethical officers to support professional development in the maritime industry.

Students can personalise their learning by choosing electives in management and maritime disciplines. The curriculum comprises 30 courses, including 19 Management Courses and 11 maritime studies.

Additionally, the program features an internship, a global online course, and a capstone project. Most classes occur on weekends, with some evening sessions scheduled during the week. This allows participants to gain expert knowledge in relevant areas aligning with their current roles or explore new fields in response to industry demands.

This two-year degree program, which can be extended to three years if needed, provides a unique combination of elite management education from IIM and specialised maritime knowledge from CMMI. The program will use case studies, lectures, projects, peer learning activities, and simulations. It follows a blended learning model, with two-thirds of the coursework available online and one-third conducted in-person for a more engaging experience.

Listed below are the program features and the benefits which make the MBA in Maritime Management in India unique.

Program Structure Overview

The program is structured into seven modules, featuring a two-month internship as part of the Industry Immersion module. The distribution of the curriculum is as follows:

Both electives and core subjects are selected to allow candidates to tailor their experience according to their interests and the latest industry trends. The final module includes an internship, a global online course, and a capstone project. 

The program’s core subjects prominently include a mix of Management and Maritime content, such as:

Supply Chain Management

This core management subject focuses on efficiently transporting goods via global waterways, vital for international trade. It covers logistics, procurement, inventory management, and advanced technologies like IoT and blockchain for real-time operations, emphasising risk management and sustainability. This course addresses challenges like port congestion and geopolitical risks. Through a blend of theory and practical case studies, it prepares leaders to optimise maritime supply chains for cost efficiency and resilience.

Commercial Management of Ships; Liner, Tramp and TC Operations

This maritime core subject covers business strategies and operations in various shipping sectors. It examines liner shipping schedules, tramp shipping flexibility, and time charter agreements focusing on revenue optimisation and risk management. Key topics include market analysis, freight rates, voyage planning, and regulatory compliance, providing professionals with insights to enhance profitability and efficiency in shipping.

Program Pedagogy and Eligibility Criteria

The program’s pedagogy will blend case studies, lectures, projects, peer-to-peer experiential learning activities, and simulations. This degree program follows a blended learning approach, with two-thirds of the coursework delivered online and one-third conducted in person to provide a richer learning experience.

Below are the eligibility criteria for mariners and non-mariners students for enrollment in Executive MBA in Maritime Management at IIM Mumbai.

Future Shipping Industry Trends: Job Opportunities 

The international shipping industry is crucial to the global economy, facilitating approximately 90% of world trade. It enables intercontinental trade, transports raw materials, and imports/exports goods, enhancing consumers’ access to affordable products. With ongoing improvements in shipping efficiency and economic liberalisation, the sector’s prospects for continued growth remain robust.

Here’s an overview of the project market value in 2032 according to the IMARC Group, a global market research and management consulting firm

Source: Asia Pacific Maritime Information Market Report

International shipping is crucial to the global economy, facilitating approximately 90% of world trade. It enables intercontinental trade, transports raw materials, and imports/exports goods, enhancing consumers’ access to affordable products. With ongoing improvements in shipping efficiency and economic liberalisation, the sector’s prospects for continued growth remain robust.

The maritime industry seeks to meet workforce requirements, and the demand for qualified and competent seafarers is rising. Promoting careers at sea, enhancing Maritime education, and improving retention strategies for seafarers are crucial in this context. An MBA in maritime management is an excellent pathway for individuals aspiring to build successful careers in shipping, logistics, and the supply chain industry. 

This specialised degree program is tailored for professionals working in maritime and related sectors. It covers ship management, port operations, logistics, supply chain management, freight forwarding, import and export trading, multimodal transport, customs operations, chartering, and maritime sales and purchases. An MBA in maritime management will equip you to excel in the diverse and dynamic maritime job market.