Organised by the International Maritime Club (IMC) and the International Maritime Institute (IMI), in association with Aries Energy, Aries International Maritime Research Institute (AIMRI), and Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education (NICHE University), the summit brought together leading figures from the maritime industry, academia, and the student community for an impactful day of learning and engagement.

With the objective of bridging classroom learning with real-world industry expectations, the summit emphasised emerging career avenues across both sea-going and shore-based domains. Students gained insights into the evolving maritime landscape, exploring opportunities in logistics, offshore operations, marine law, renewable energy, ship management, maritime entrepreneurship, and more. The atmosphere remained vibrant throughout the event, driven by inspiring discussions, active participation, and a shared vision of building the next generation of maritime talent.

The distinguished speaker panel featured respected voices from across the sector, including Sir Sohan Roy (Founder-Chairman & CEO, Aries Group of Companies), Mr. Jofin Lukose (Naval Architect, Kerala Maritime Board), Mr. N.M.C Nair (Marine Engineer & Consultant Surveyor), Mr. Nanoo Viswanathan (Maritime Industry Expert - Maritime Law), and Mr. S K Namboothiri (Former Chief Engineer, leading shipping companies). Their sessions blended practical wisdom with forward- looking guidance, encouraging students to pursue excellence while keeping pace with global maritime advancements.

In his keynote address, Sir Sohan Roy highlighted the concept of “Career Design During Sailing” for those entering the maritime field. He stressed the growing relevance of soft skills, sustainability awareness, and creative problem-solving in an evolving international maritime environment. His address stood out as a key takeaway for young attendees aspiring for global maritime roles.

The event commenced with a Welcome Address by Dr. P. Thirumalvalavan (Registrar, NICHE), followed by the Inaugural Address by Dr. Tessy Thomas (Vice-Chancellor, NICHE), who underscored the importance of aligning academic learning with changing industry requirements.

Students experienced a holistic day of learning, interacting directly with experts, participating in engaging discussions, and gaining clarity on modern maritime career pathways. Certificates were awarded to all participants, and the summit was conducted in both physical and virtual modes to ensure wider accessibility and inclusivity. Many students expressed that the event broadened their perspective, enabling them to see the maritime industry beyond traditional sailing roles.

The summit concluded on an inspiring note, strengthening its mission to shape the future of maritime careers and equipping young professionals with clarity, direction, and confidence to step into the industry.