Mon Jan 06 18:23:42 UTC 2025: ## IIT-Madras Opens Asia’s Largest Shallow Wave Basin Research Facility
**Chennai, January 7, 2025** – The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has unveiled Asia’s largest shallow wave basin research facility, a significant advancement in marine science and engineering. Located at IIT-M’s Discovery campus in Thaiyur, the indigenously developed facility was established by the National Technology Centre for Ports Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), a technology arm of the Shipping Ministry.
The multidirectional basin allows for the study of complex wave and current interactions, addressing critical challenges faced by Indian ports, waterways, and coastal infrastructure. Professor K. Murali of IIT-Madras’ Ocean Engineering department highlighted the facility’s significance, stating that India will no longer need to rely on foreign technology for laboratory wave generation. He emphasized that most of the wavemaker’s components were fabricated at IIT-Madras itself.
Dr. Torsten Schlurmann of Leibniz University of Hannover, Germany, praised the facility, predicting it will elevate IIT-Madras’ standing in marine science and engineering, fostering groundbreaking research and international collaborations. The facility’s capabilities extend to testing various coastal structures, analyzing post-impact damage, studying large floating solar plants, and investigating the effects of climate change. Its unique mobile wavemaker allows for multiple concurrent research projects.
IIT-Madras believes the experience gained in building this facility will pave the way for future cutting-edge research centers. The new facility represents a major step forward for India’s marine research capabilities and its ability to address critical coastal engineering challenges.
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