RMU, partner champion industry-academia innovation in maritime training
The acting Vice -Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jr, has highlighted the crucial role of academia-industry collaboration in driving innovation and addressing real-world challenges in Africa’s maritime sector.
He made the remarks during the official launch of the DNV & RMU training programmes for industry stakeholders held in Accra.
The training programme, a joint initiative between the RMU and DNV Benmarine Services (BmS), aims to offer specialised courses in maritime operations, safety, risk and reliability.
It is designed to meet the evolving demands of the maritime and offshore industries, not only in Ghana but across the wider sub-region.
MoU
In his welcome address, Dr Brooks hailed the initiative as “a significant milestone in our shared efforts to strengthen and innovate within the maritime and offshore industries.”
He noted that the collaboration would soon be formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DNV, paving the way for deeper engagement in research and development.
“This MoU will focus on research and development, specifically targeting the local manufacture of welding electrodes to meet international industry standards—an ambitious and transformative initiative,” Dr Brooks announced.
He added that the RMU Marine Engineering Department would spearhead this research.
Partnership
“Through the expertise of the RMU’s Marine Engineering Department, we will lead the research efforts necessary for this initiative, applying academic rigour and practical knowledge to solve real-world industrial challenges,” he said.
Dr Brooks further stressed that the partnership epitomised a model for the future of innovation—one based on synergy between academic institutions and industry leaders.
“The partnership between the RMU and DNV embodies the future of innovation, one driven not in isolation but through synergistic collaboration that harnesses the strengths of both academia and industry,” he said.
The vice chancellor also tied the initiative to RMU’s broader strategic objectives, emphasising its alignment with goals of sustainability, international collaboration and the advancement of maritime education across Africa.
The event brought together key stakeholders from the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), the Petroleum Commission, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), among others.
The Regional Manager of DNV, Mr Ian Edward, highlighted Ghana’s strategic maritime position on the continent and said the partnership with the RMU was vital for equipping professionals with future-ready skills.
“This collaboration is crucial for the future as it aims to equip maritime professionals with enhanced skills for continued growth and innovation in the sector,” he stated.
Other speakers
Other speakers at the launch included the Regional Maritime Academy Manager for the Middle East and Africa, Michelle Maria Kurian; the Managing Director of DNV BmS, Frederick Asamoah; the Deputy Managing Director, Bernard Lomotey Agbloe and the Business Controller, Mary Owusu Ewusi, all of whom expressed optimism about the knowledge-sharing and research potential of the partnership.
The RMU-DNV collaboration is poised to play a central role in bridging the skills gap and bolstering research and innovation in West Africa’s maritime industry—advancing not only training but also home-grown solutions tailored for global competitiveness.
