The World Maritime University (WMU) could soon set up its branch in India, and discussions in this regard have already started with the International Maritime Organisation, Union Shipping Minister G K Vasan has announced.

Addressing students of the Indian Maritime University (IMU) on Wednesday, Vasan said that he had already pursued discussions with IMO secretary-general Koji Sekimizu.

IMO is planning to open a WMU branch in India as the global shipping industry has for some time been facing a slump, and hundreds of maritime graduates are finding it increasingly difficult to get a job.

Chennai-based IMU is also mulling over plans to partner with various international maritime universities to reap benefits of growth of maritime trade in India.

Speaking on the topic, the minister said, "Despite the recession, there has been a growth of maritime trade in India and institutes like IMU can bridge the gap between supply and demand of sailors and merchant engineers."

Vasan also warned that the union government would take stricter steps against shipping companies that do not pay remunerations to sailors on time. He made this remark when reporters sought his opinion on the non-payment of remunerations to the crew of Pratibha Cauvery and Pratibha Warna companies.