The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched an advanced maritime research facility to enhance indigenous ship design and ocean engineering capabilities. Funded by ₹4.5 crore from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), the Circulating Water Tunnel Facility is located at the Discovery campus in Thaiyur, near Chennai. This facility will support advanced hydrodynamic testing for ship models, propellers, and underwater structures, significantly improving research and teaching in the Department of Ocean Engineering. Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, dean of alumni and corporate relations at IIT Madras, emphasized the importance of this partnership with MDL in fostering research and technology development in ocean engineering. Capt. Jagmohan from MDL highlighted the facility's role in nurturing future talent and advancing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the maritime sector. Additionally, IIT Madras and MDL are exploring future projects, including a large-scale hydrodynamic testing facility and research on refrigeration systems for naval applications.