States » SouthPosted at: Sep 17 2026 9:09PM


Kerala proposes integrated International Maritime Museum, Oceanarium

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 17 (UNI) Kerala government has proposed setting up an International Maritime Museum and Oceanarium as a single integrated institution, backed by Rs 50 crore in seed funding, to showcase the State’s nearly 2,000-year maritime heritage and rich marine biodiversity.
The proposal envisages a unified governance and operating structure for the two facilities, with the Oceanarium’s revenue-generating potential supporting the Museum’s heritage and curatorial functions and reducing the need for continued government funding for separate institutions.
The proposal was discussed at a three-day Round Table Conference on flagship developmental and transformational projects that began here on Wednesday. The session on the International Maritime Museum and Oceanarium examined the financial, operational and governance aspects of the proposed project.
Under the proposed model, a single Special Purpose Vehicle, structured as a not-for-profit company, would own and operate both facilities under a common Board chaired by the Chief Minister. It would also have an Advisory Council and a common visitor brand.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan described the proposed Oceanarium as a "dream project" and stressed the need to finalise its economic model and prepare a Detailed Project Report covering the requirements of the integrated project.
He highlighted the potential of Kerala’s large Malayali diaspora and private investment to contribute to a financially sustainable model whose value could grow significantly over the long term.
Satheesan said the government would play a catalytic role in taking forward the Oceanarium and Maritime Museum, incorporating the latest technologies and international practices into their design and operations.
Kerala’s maritime history, spanning nearly two millennia, provides the foundation for the proposed institution. The narrative would encompass the ancient port of Muziris, the Quilon trade route, Beypore’s traditional Uru-building craft and the modern deep-water port at Vizhinjam.
The State Budget had allocated funds for an International Maritime Museum, following which the government directed that the feasibility of developing an Oceanarium alongside it on the same waterfront also be examined.
The session was attended by senior officials of the Ports Department and State Department of Archaeology, Directorate of Museums and Zoos, Archaeological Survey of India, policy research institutions, national and international experts, academic and research institutions, government institutions, industry and associations.
Concluding the session, Co-Chair Rathan U Kelkar, IAS, Secretary, Ports, said Geromic George, IAS, had been appointed Special Officer for the project.
"We will bring together all relevant stakeholders and seek their inputs to take the project forward and make this dream a reality," Kelkar said.
The Round Table Conferences are aimed at bringing together experts, investors, development partners, industry, academic institutions, the start-up community, public sector undertakings and the Non-Resident Keralite community to translate flagship project ideas into implementable roadmaps.
UNI DS
Tags: #Kerala proposes integrated International Maritime Museum# Oceanarium
More News

Harvard Varsity to offer executive education courses in Hyderabad from December: CM Revanth Reddy

17 Sep 2026 | 11:03 PM

Hyderabad, Sept 17 (UNI) Harvard University will offer executive education courses in Hyderabad from December 2026, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced on Thursday evening.

see more..

Naidu’s negligence worsened drought crisis across AP: Former CM Jagan Reddy

17 Sep 2026 | 10:46 PM

Vijayawada, Sep 17 (UNI) Lashing out at Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for his 'negligence' in landing Andhra Pradesh in a severe drought, former Chief Minister and YSRCP President Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday demanded that the government declare drought-hit mandals and announced that he will visit the affected regions.

see more..

Kozhikode: Reporter TV MD Anto Augustine remanded to 14 days' in liquor storage case

17 Sep 2026 | 9:35 PM

Kozhikode, Sep 17 (UNI) The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Sultan Batheri on Thursday remanded Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine to 14 days' of judicial custody following his arrest by the Kerala Excise Department in connection with a major illegal liquor storage case.
Anto Augustine was sent to 14 days of judicial custody after the Excise Special Investigation Team (SIT) presented him before the court.

see more..

National conference of blood transfusion specialists begins in Kochi

17 Sep 2026 | 9:21 PM

Kochi, Sept 17 (UNI) The 51st national conference of the Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immunohematology (ISBTI), Transcon 26, began here on Thursday, bringing together around 1,000 doctors, nearly 300 postgraduate students and about 200 blood bank technicians from across the country and abroad.

see more..

Kerala plans integrated Global Gold Hub and Jewellery Park

17 Sep 2026 | 9:19 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Sept. 17 (UNI) Kerala is exploring the establishment of a fully integrated Global Gold Hub and Jewellery Park that would bring gold refining, recycling, manufacturing, hallmarking, testing, design, logistics and trade under one roof.

see more..