Shipping Corporation of India Land and Assets Ltd (SCILAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Synergy Marine to collaborate on maritime capability development, training and knowledge exchange. The agreement was announced in Mumbai on six April and marks a formal partnership between the state-owned land and assets arm and the maritime training specialist. SCILAL will lead the engagement through its Maritime Training Institute (MTI), Powai.\n\nAs part of the initial phase, MTI, Powai, will partner with Synergy Marine to deliver an upcoming Diploma in Nautical Studies programme aimed at strengthening foundational seafaring skills and industry readiness. The programme is intended to combine classroom instruction with practical modules and industry-aligned competencies to prepare cadets for regulatory and operational demands. The partners expect the curriculum to be periodically updated to reflect evolving maritime standards and employer requirements. The initiative will seek inputs from industry stakeholders and subject-matter experts to ensure relevance and rigour.\n\nOver time, collaboration may extend into areas such as digitalisation, data-led operations, new technologies, decarbonisation, sustainability and future fuels, supporting research and innovation across the sector. The partners envisage capability development projects that target both shore-based personnel and seafarers, enhancing safety, efficiency and environmental performance. Capacity building measures will include faculty development, simulation exercises and assessment reforms to maintain high training standards. Joint initiatives are likely to include training frameworks, competency mapping and knowledge exchange mechanisms to accelerate adoption of best practice.\n\nOfficials said the partnership aims to bridge gaps between regulatory expectations and operational practice while fostering industry-ready talent and institutional capacity. The collaboration is also expected to create pathways for continuous professional development and to support India's broader maritime goals. The partners will evaluate progress through regular reviews and performance metrics. Stakeholders will monitor outcomes and may scale successful interventions across other training centres and operational units.