The Maritime Knowledge Cluster (MKC) is a multi-faceted and transformative initiative spearheaded by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS). It is designed to centralize, streamline, and provide dynamic access to critical information and knowledge in the global maritime industry.

The MKC is envisioned as a comprehensive e-platform that integrates various stakeholders across the Indian and global maritime sector—including government bodies, shipping companies, port authorities, maritime education institutions, seafarers, and research organizations. Its primary focus is to:

• Enable knowledge sharing
• Foster collaboration
• Drive innovation through research
• Support sustainable development within the maritime domain

Naval Architecture is the pivotal aspect of Maritime Industry, encompassing shipbuilding, surveying and inspection, and recycling.

MKC provided the following information/services related to the Naval Architecture:

• Ship Recycling - The Ship Recycling vertical under MKC is designed to provide a centralized repository of information, guidelines, policies, and stakeholder engagement tools related to ship recycling in India.
• Marine Surveying & Inspection Vertical - This vertical offers structured information and tools to support statutory and third-party inspections across the vessel lifecycle.
• Research & Innovation - This vertical promotes technological advancement through collaboration, funding, and access to maritime research knowledge.

Collaborative research Institutes include:

• NTCPWC - Port and waterway efficiency technologies
• CICMT - Coastal engineering and ship design
• NIO, IMUs - Oceanographic and Technology Research