Skill Pipeline for a Growing Maritime Sector
Speaking at the event, Shri Sonowal lauded the collaboration between IIT Guwahati and IRS, and praised the first batch of seven trainees who completed the Underwater Welding Certification Program. He described the scheme as a “practical and result-oriented pathway” to develop specialised skills needed for underwater repair, propeller restoration and offshore maintenance.
“Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India is rapidly expanding its maritime capacity and skilled workforce,” Shri Sonowal said. He added that these programmes will help reduce dependency on dry-docking and imported spare parts while creating employment opportunities in Assam and the wider Northeast.
Demonstration of 3D Metal Repair
The inauguration included a live demonstration of metal 3D printing to repair a marine propeller — an application that showcased faster turnaround and potential cost savings compared with traditional methods. Researchers from IIT Guwahati demonstrated how additive manufacturing can restore damaged components without lengthy supply chains.
Officials noted that integrating underwater welding with in-situ repair and additive manufacturing can shorten repair cycles, improve vessel availability and cut logistical costs for inland and coastal shipping.
Regional Advantages and Strategic Goals
Shri Sonowal emphasised Assam’s strategic advantage: its inland waterways and proximity to regional maritime routes make the Northeast a natural hub for maritime services. He urged shipyards, inland waterways authorities and private players to partner with IIT Guwahati to scale training and formalise career pathways.
The minister also signalled policy support, saying the ministry will actively consider outcome-based proposals from IIT Guwahati under existing financing and support frameworks to accelerate ecosystem building.
Certification and Industry Linkages
The seven successful trainees received certificates at the ceremony, marking the programme’s first cohort. The certification, organised at IITG’s Technology Innovation Hub with IRS technical backing, is intended to be globally applicable and industry-recognised.
IIT Guwahati Director Prof. Devendra Jalihal and representatives from maritime firms attended, indicating early industry interest in recruiting certified technicians for inland waterways, coastal vessels and regional repair yards.
Next Steps: Scaling Training and Industry Adoption
Officials identified several follow-up steps: expanding intake for certification batches, setting up industry internships, developing modular courses for offshore repair, and piloting field deployments for underwater welding teams. The ministry and IITG will also explore incentives for private yards to adopt additive-repair workflows.
Speakers stressed that these efforts could deliver quicker repairs, reduced downtime, and stronger local supply chains — outcomes aligned with national goals for a resilient blue economy.
For more details on the initiative, see the official release from the Press Information Bureau and IIT Guwahati’s Technology Innovation Hub pages.
