Harindarpal S Banga, the chairman and CEO of The Caravel Group, highlighted the urgent need for maritime education to align with the evolving demands of the shipping industry. With the maritime sector increasingly focusing on decarbonisation, digitalisation, and automation, Banga stressed that academic institutions must invest in advanced training tools, such as simulators, and adopt curricula that prepare students for future challenges. The Caravel Group recently acquired the International Maritime Institute in Noida, India, to strengthen its training capabilities. The company, which manages over 650 vessels and employs more than 20,000 Indian seafarers, is committed to integrating new competencies, especially in green fuel adoption. Banga also addressed safety concerns for seafarers operating in high-risk areas like the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that their wellbeing must be prioritized amid rising tensions in the Gulf region.