Sharjah's Maritime Academy Welcomes New Training Ship

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, presided over the Board of Trustees meeting for the Sharjah Maritime Academy on Thursday at the institution's headquarters in Khorfakkan.

At this meeting, His Highness unveiled a significant gift to the academy—a fully equipped training vessel featuring modern technologies and facilities. This ship will facilitate practical maritime training, enabling students to acquire real-world experience and enhance their professional skills.

His Highness commended the academy’s swift advancements and acknowledged the administration's efforts, led by Dr. Hashim bin Sarhan Al Zaabi, Chancellor of the academy. He emphasized the academy’s progress since its inception and its ability to overcome various challenges.

The Ruler reaffirmed his support for the academy’s strategic plans aimed at providing top-tier education and training in maritime transport, navigation, port management, marine engineering, and supply chain management. He also recognized the important role of strategic partners in bolstering the institution’s growth and sustainability.

During the session, the Board reviewed key agenda items, including academic development strategies, institutional partnerships, and performance analytics. It also endorsed the budget for the academic year 2026–2027.

The Board approved the introduction of four new academic programs following initial accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, which include:

• Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Sustainable Marine Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Marine Environment and Renewable Energy
• Master of Science in Intelligent Marine Systems and Artificial Intelligence
• Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management

In partnership with the Cypriot Maritime Administration, the Board also sanctioned four new professional maritime training programs. These initiatives will assist experienced mariners in advancing to key maritime roles such as ship duty officer, chief officer, second engineer, and electrical technical officer.

Collaborating with the Cypriot Maritime Administration aims to enhance the academy’s international profile, improve graduates' employment prospects, and draw in more international students.

The Board went through a comprehensive report delivered by Dr. Hashim Al Zaabi, detailing the academy’s achievements in academic, administrative, and research domains over the past year.

The report confirmed the renewal of the academy’s institutional accreditation for four years by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with no institutional shortcomings noted. The expert review team praised the academy’s infrastructure, academic standards, adherence to regulations, and faculty diversity.

Several programs also secured international accreditation. The Bachelor of Maritime Logistics and Supply Chain Management received recognition from the Logistics and Transportation Institute, while the Bachelor of Maritime Transport and Bachelor of Marine Engineering Technology programs were accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

Additionally, the meeting touched upon expanding maritime training and consulting services across the UAE and the Arab region. The academy currently offers specialized training solutions for ports and maritime institutions covering areas like pilotage, tugboat engineering and management, port security, ship traffic control, and supply chain management.

The Board reviewed the academy's maritime training center accreditation in Liberia and Panama, validating its burgeoning international recognition and commitment to superior maritime education.

Furthermore, the academy obtained compliance certification for the international quality standard ISO 9001:2015, bolstering its status as a globally recognized maritime educational institution aligned with International Maritime Organization standards.

The meeting concluded with the review of reports and recommendations from the Academic Committee, Finance Committee, Compliance and Internal Audit Committee, and Financial Resources Development Committee, leading to the approval of necessary decisions.

Several high-ranking officials, academic leaders, and maritime specialists from the UAE and abroad participated in the meeting.

#Global News #World News #Global Updates #Sharjah News