Indian Navy Signs MoU with IIT-Delhi to Enhance Shipboard Quality of Life

Indian Navy Signs MoU with IIT-Delhi to Enhance Shipboard Quality of Life

Analysis:

1. The Indian Navy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi to improve the Quality of Life (QoL) aboard Indian Naval ships through advanced design and habitability interventions.
2. Under this MoU, IIT Delhi will collaborate with the Directorate of Naval Architecture (DNA) to establish a research and design centre dedicated to naval ergonomics, human factors, and ship design optimization.
3. The partnership aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and comfort onboard both existing and future naval vessels through scientific and design-based solutions.
4. The scope of collaboration may extend beyond naval vessels to include the mercantile marine and other Indian ethnicity-based habitability requirements, ensuring culturally relevant design standards.
5. The MoU was formally signed by Rear Admiral Arvind Rawal, Assistant Chief of Materiel (Dockyard & Refit), Indian Navy, and Professor Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi.
6. Rear Admiral Rawal emphasized that this initiative introduces a systematic, scientific approach to habitability, integrating ergonomics, human factors engineering, and design optimisation into naval architecture.
7. Professor Banerjee highlighted that the agreement will strengthen IIT Delhi’s existing collaboration with the Navy, particularly in areas such as underwater systems, naval electronics, and postgraduate training programmes in naval construction.
8. The collaboration reflects the Navy’s broader commitment to leveraging academic partnerships for technological advancement and enhancing crew welfare and operational efficiency.

Static Part:

1. Directorate of Naval Architecture (DNA):
   • A division of the Indian Navy responsible for the design, technical evaluation, and construction standards of naval vessels.
2. IIT Delhi:
   • Established in 1961; recognized as an Institute of National Importance.
   • Engages in advanced research and development across engineering, design, and applied sciences.
3. Relevance:
   • The collaboration aligns with the Navy’s focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat by integrating indigenous research and innovation into naval design and engineering processes.
     
     Updated - October 16, 2025 7:13 PM | News On Air