International Maritime Business Academy (IMBA)

What International Maritime Business Academy (IMBA) does

International Maritime Business Academy (IMBA) is a private educational institution founded in 2019 and headquartered in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. It specializes in commercial shipping business education — covering ship broking, chartering, port operations, maritime logistics, supply chain management, international trade, and maritime law — as distinct from traditional merchant navy or technical seafaring training. The product portfolio comprises three PGDM tracks (Maritime Logistics & Port Management; Supply Chain & Logistics Management; International Trade & Maritime Law) at ₹5,05,000 total program fee, undergraduate degrees (BBA in Shipping, BCA), an Executive Maritime Business Management certificate for working mariners, and a specialized Ship Broking & Chartering course claimed to be the only such program in India. Delivery uses simulation labs, Marine ERP software, supply chain modeling platforms, and global trade documentation modules, with face-to-face delivery at four campuses (Dehradun, Mumbai, Kashmir, Selaqui) and online delivery via the University of Plymouth MBA partnership.

IMBA runs a direct-to-consumer, sales-led enrollment model with channel-mediated placement through 50+ corporate partners — including Maersk, MSC, Cargill, Transworld, Sharaf Shipping, TransBulk, Marcura, Adani Ports, and InterOcean — which co-shape curriculum and recruit on campus. It claims a 100% placement record and a 1,000+ alumni network placed across India, the UAE, Singapore, Switzerland, and Denmark. International academic partnerships with University of Plymouth (UK), Rushmore Business School (Mauritius), and Gujarat Maritime Cluster extend credential portability. The institution is privately owned and operated with no disclosed external funding, no publicly disclosed revenue, and a lean headcount of 12 employees. Recognition includes Best Commercial Shipping Academy of the Year, Certificate of Excellence in Commercial Shipping, Most Distinguished Edupreneur of the Year, and Shiksha Shri Samman 2025 awarded to its Principal.

The business model is tuition-driven and education-cycle-dependent, with one-time program fees per enrollment, multi-year program contracts, and selective scholarships/financial aid. Distribution is predominantly direct (on-campus admissions, phone/online counseling, education-fair outreach, and referral programs) with corporate partnerships serving as indirect distribution through recruitment-driven student acquisition. Revenue concentration on individual student enrollments is structurally low per-student but high year-to-year predictability is constrained by batch cycles, scholarship discounting, and dependence on continued corporate recruitment activity.

Name

International Maritime Business Academy (IMBA)

Legal name

International Maritime Business Academy

Website

https://imbaeducation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

IMBA is a private Indian maritime business school headquartered in Dehradun that trains graduates and working mariners for commercial shipping careers through PGDM, undergraduate, and executive programs delivered across four Indian campuses and online through a University of Plymouth UK partnership.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Business Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

MBA & Executive MBA Programs (EDAHAHAB)

Keywords

• Maritime business education
• Port management training
• Ship broking courses
• Maritime logistics programs
• Commercial shipping education

Headquarters

HQ city

Dehradun

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Postgraduate Diploma Programs (PGDM): Revenue generated from tuition fees for one-year Post Graduate Diploma programs including Maritime Logistics & Port Management, Supply Chain & Logistics Management, and International Trade & Maritime Law. Total program fee is ₹5,05,000 (₹2,52,500 per semester). Revenue is one-time per program enrollment with batch cycles running annually.
2. Undergraduate Programs (BBA/BCA): Tuition fee revenue from undergraduate degree programs in Shipping (BBA) and Computer Applications (BCA), offered in collaboration with Quantum University. One-time program fee per academic cycle.
3. Executive Maritime Business Management Certificate: Certificate program fees for working mariners and professionals seeking specialized maritime business expertise, with flexible weekend/evening class delivery model.
4. International Dual Degree Program (University of Plymouth): Online MBA degree program with Maritime Business specialization delivered by University of Plymouth (UK). Fee is 5000 GBP, likely collected as a program fee for the international credential component.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

IMBA is a private maritime education institution offering postgraduate diplomas (PGDM), undergraduate degrees (BBA, BCA), executive certificates, and an international dual-degree MBA in maritime business. Programs focus on the commercial side of shipping — ship broking, chartering, port management, maritime law, supply chain, and international trade — delivered across four Indian campuses and through online partnerships with University of Plymouth (UK) and Rushmore Business School (Mauritius).

Product overview

IMBA offers a comprehensive suite of maritime business education programs across undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive levels. The core portfolio includes PGDM programs in Maritime Logistics & Port Management, Supply Chain & Logistics Management, and International Trade & Maritime Law, along with undergraduate BBA and BCA degrees. Specialized offerings include India's only Ship Brokering and Chartering program and Executive Maritime Business Management for working mariners. International partnerships with University of Plymouth (UK) and Rushmore Business School (Mauritius) provide dual degree options. The institution focuses exclusively on the commercial/business side of shipping rather than merchant navy training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• PGDM in Maritime Logistics & Port Management
• PGDM in Supply Chain & Logistics Management
• PGDM in International Trade & Maritime Law
• BBA in Shipping
• BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
• Executive Maritime Business Management Certificate
• Ship Brokering and Chartering Course Specialized course covering freight market contract negotiation, ship leasing, charter party contracts, and commercial shipping dynamics. Marketed as the only specialized PGDM in Ship Broking and Chartering offered in India, targeting graduates and professionals seeking ship broking careers.
• Online MBA in Maritime Business (University of Plymouth) Dual degree online MBA with specialization in Maritime Business delivered by University of Plymouth (UK). Globally accessible via digital learning platforms. Program fee is 5,000 GBP. Targets students seeking international credentials in commercial shipping.
• Programs at Rushmore Business School (Mauritius) Undergraduate and postgraduate programs delivered at Rushmore Business School's campus in Mauritius through face-to-face sessions, providing international education experience to students seeking global maritime credentials.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% graduate employment rate with leading national and international maritime companies
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of Plymouth (UK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for a dual degree program where students study for an online MBA degree with a specialization in Maritime Business from University of Plymouth, United Kingdom. The program provides in-depth knowledge designed specifically catering to the billion-dollar commercial shipping industry. Plymouth is a top 50 research university and twice winner of the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher Education. Fee for the program is 5000 GBP.
• Rushmore Business School (Mauritius)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMBA offers programs at Rushmore Business School's campus in Mauritius with face-to-face sessions ensuring extensive personal contact with professors and peers. Rushmore Business School is fully accredited by the Higher Education Commission and Mauritius Qualifications Authority, and holds British Accreditation Council recognition. Programs are designed for students seeking international education experience.
• Gujarat Maritime Cluster (GMC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGujarat Maritime Cluster represents a total maritime business ecosystem offering a way for shipping businesses to operate from one world-class location at GIFT City. GMC enables synergetic collaboration among maritime/shipping industry players, logistics service providers, and relevant government regulatory agencies. IMBA holds GMC certification for students, providing industry-recognized credentials in the maritime business ecosystem.
• Quantum University (India)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for program delivery within India. Quantum University, based in Uttarakhand, collaborates with IMBA to offer recognized programs. The PGDM program is affiliated with Sri Dev Suman University, Uttarakhand, providing UGC-recognized postgraduate diploma qualifications.
• MaerskminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal shipping leader and one of IMBA's top recruiters. Active participation in campus placement drives, industry visits, and student recruitment. Represents IMBA's corporate partnership network of 50+ shipping and logistics companies.
• Transworld GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal shipping and logistics group providing placement opportunities and industry expertise to IMBA graduates. Includes involvement through Transworld Integrated Logistek and Transworld Academy for mentorship and learning programs.
• Sharaf Shipping Agency (Dubai)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDubai-based shipping agency providing international placement opportunities for IMBA graduates. Capt. Farhad Patel, Director, has visited IMBA campus for student interaction and recruitment. Active international placement partner.
• TransBulk International Shipping (Dubai)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDubai-based shipping company with active international placement partnerships. Mr. O.V. Shabu, Managing Director, has visited IMBA campus. Provides placement and internship opportunities for IMBA students in Dubai operations.
• MarcuraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal maritime services company recruiting IMBA graduates for chartering and operations roles. Team Marcura has visited IMBA campus for student interactions and recruitment drives.
• CargillminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal trading and shipping company actively recruiting IMBA graduates. One of the top international recruiters for IMBA placement programs with global shipping and logistics operations.
• Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) U.K.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMr. Krishnan Subramaniam, International Vice Chairman of ICS U.K. and Chief Learning Officer at Transworld Academy, conducted interactive sessions at IMBA, sharing expertise on global maritime trade, shipping dynamics, and leadership competencies. ICS U.K. is the globally recognized professional body for shipbrokers.
• Hong Kong Maritime Arbitration GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMr. Jagmeet Makkar from the Hong Kong Maritime Arbitration Group conducted a special session on Maritime Law and Arbitration at IMBA on November 28, 2024, providing students with insights into international maritime dispute resolution.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• World Maritime University (WMU): IMO-founded graduate school for maritime and ocean education based in Malmö, Sweden; a prestigious international peer offering master's-level maritime programs that competes for the same postgraduate maritime talent pool at a global scale.
• Lloyd's Maritime Academy: Distance-learning maritime education provider associated with Lloyd's Register, offering professional development and certificate courses in shipping, ports, and chartering — directly competes with IMBA's commercial/ship-broking curriculum via online delivery to a global audience.

Direct peers

• Tolani Maritime Institute: Indian maritime institute offering marine engineering, nautical science, and merchant navy programs; the closest legacy competitor to IMBA in maritime-focused post-secondary education in India and a likely eventual mover into commercial shipping/chartering training.
• Anglo-Eastern Maritime Academy: Part of the Anglo-Eastern Group, one of the largest ship management companies globally, running pre-sea and ship-management training; comparable to IMBA in serving the Indian maritime talent supply chain.
• HIMT (Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training): Chennai-based maritime training institute offering marine engineering and nautical science programs with strong shipping-industry placement ties; a direct peer in India's maritime vocational education market.
• Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies: Indian maritime training institute offering marine engineering and nautical science training with industry placement focus; competes for the same segment of students seeking shipping careers and has an established placement ecosystem.
• International Maritime Institute (IMI), Noida: Indian maritime training institute offering pre-sea and post-sea maritime courses with strong industry placement links; competes with IMBA for the same student pool seeking entry into shipping careers.

Others

• Maersk Training: Industry-affiliated maritime training provider owned by Maersk, offering STCW and operational courses globally — serves as both a placement partner and an indirect industry-credentialing peer for IMBA's graduates.

Emerging players

• Great Lakes Institute of Management (Maritime & Logistics Programs): Indian business school with active supply chain, logistics, and operations management programs that increasingly intersect with maritime business — an emerging peer that could expand further into shipping-specific content.

Regional players

• MARE - Maritime & Logistics Education: European maritime and logistics training provider focused on port management, shipping, and supply chain education — comparable to IMBA in curriculum mix but operating in a different geographic market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/imbadehradun
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@IMBAEDUCATION
• Facebookfacebook.com/IMBAeducation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/imbaeducation
• Instagraminstagram.com/maritimebusinessacademy
• Pinterestin.pinterest.com/imbadehradun

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about International Maritime Business Academy (IMBA)