The donation was presented to the college by the Community Investment Fund under Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), subsidiary of Manila-headquartered ICTSI.
The new marine research centre is located at the college’s Environmental Arts Hub in Port Melbourne.
The grant will also fund the scholarships of 20 students, as well as the construction of a new sustainable commercial kitchen.
“The community investment fund is just one aspect of VICT’s strong commitment to working closely and positively with neighbouring communities around Webb Dock at the port of Melbourne, particularly in the cities of Port Phillip and Hobsons Bay,” ICTSI said in a statement.
Based at Melbourne port’s Webb Doct East, VICT will operate Melbourne’s third international container terminal as well as the empty container park which is connected to the terminal.