The Sharjah Maritime Transport Academy and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy signed a memorandum of understanding today at its headquarters in Khor Fakkan, aimed at enhancing international cooperation in the fields of maritime education, training and scientific research.
The memorandum was signed by Dr. Hashim Al-Zaabi, Director of the Academy, and Rear Admiral Francis MacDonald, President of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, as part of the two sides’ commitment to expanding the horizons of international academic cooperation, exchanging experiences and supporting the quality of maritime education in accordance with international standards.
The memorandum aims to establish a framework for cooperation in developing joint strategies and action plans that support high-quality maritime education and contribute to preparing and qualifying students to join the global maritime labor market. It also includes academic programs, vocational maritime training, scientific research and continuing education.
On the sidelines of the signing of the memorandum, a delegation of students from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy toured the campus of the Sharjah Academy of Maritime Transport, during which they were briefed on the academic and training facilities, including simulators and laboratories, and learned about the educational and applied environment provided by the academy.
The areas of cooperation stipulated in the memorandum include the development of academic programs in maritime transport, marine engineering, marine business, maritime logistics and supply chain management, cooperation in research and development and academic exchange for faculty members and students.
Al Zaabi said: “The memorandum reflects our commitment to strengthening international cooperation with prestigious maritime educational institutions in a way that supports the development of maritime education, training and research and contributes to preparing qualified professional cadres capable of meeting the requirements of the maritime sector at the global level.”
For his part, Rear Admiral Francis MacDonald affirmed that the memorandum constitutes an organized framework for promoting international academic cooperation, exchanging experiences, and providing educational and training opportunities that support the development of students and academic programs.
