IIT Madras has inaugurated a state-of-the-art maritime research facility aimed at strengthening India’s ocean engineering, naval technology, and hydrodynamics research capabilities. The facility has been developed with ₹4.5 crore in CSR funding from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
Located at IIT Madras’ ‘Discovery’ satellite campus in Thaiyur near Chennai, the newly operational Circulating Water Tunnel facility is designed for advanced hydrodynamic investigations involving ship models, propellers, marine vehicles, offshore systems, and underwater structures.
The hybrid wind and circulating water channel system provides a stable testing environment for fluid dynamics and ocean engineering studies, and is expected to significantly enhance research, innovation, and hands-on learning opportunities for students and researchers in the Department of Ocean Engineering.
The facility was inaugurated in the presence of V Kamakoti and Jagmohan, along with senior officials from both institutions.
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Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations) at IIT Madras, said the collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening research and technology development in ocean engineering and allied disciplines. He added that the facility will create valuable training and research opportunities while advancing innovation in maritime technologies.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders also indicated that the partnership aligns with India’s broader vision of strengthening indigenous maritime and defence capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Future collaborations under discussion include the proposed HYDRA Centre featuring a 500-metre towing tank and advanced refrigeration systems for naval submarines.
