EXMAR and Antwerp Maritime Academy sign MoU
EXMAR has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Antwerp Maritime Academy (AMA), strengthening their cooperation in maritime education, research and knowledge sharing.
The agreement establishes a framework for closer collaboration between the shipping company and the Belgian maritime academy, with a focus on developing professional skills and connecting academic education with practical industry experience. The two organisations intend to work together on educational programmes, research activities and initiatives supporting maritime innovation.
As part of the renewed partnership, EXMAR also presented the academy with a model of its recently delivered gas carrier ARLON, highlighting the development of alternative-fuel technologies in commercial shipping.
Cooperation to focus on education and maritime research
Under the MoU, EXMAR and Antwerp Maritime Academy plan to expand opportunities for students to gain industry knowledge and practical insights into maritime operations. The cooperation will also involve sharing technical expertise and exploring joint educational and research activities.
The agreement is intended to strengthen the relationship between maritime education and the shipping industry, particularly as technological developments create new requirements for seafarers and maritime professionals.
François-Xavier Decleyre, Managing Director of EXMAR Ship Management, highlighted the importance of combining operational experience with academic education.
“By combining EXMAR’s practical expertise with academic excellence of Antwerp Maritime Academy, we can prepare maritime students for the future and build a partnership that benefits both education and the maritime industry,” Decleyre said.
Rowan Van Schaeren, General Manager of Antwerp Maritime Academy, also emphasised the role of industry partnerships in providing students with practical knowledge alongside their academic studies.
According to Van Schaeren, cooperation with shipping companies allows students to gain a better understanding of the operational challenges and developments they may encounter during their maritime careers.
ARLON ship model highlights alternative-fuel technology
The signing of the agreement was accompanied by the presentation of a model of ARLON, one of the world’s first ocean-going ammonia dual-fuel gas carriers, according to EXMAR.
The recently delivered vessel represents the company’s involvement in the development of alternative propulsion technologies for commercial shipping.
EXMAR presented the model as an educational reference for students and faculty, linking the partnership with developments in vessel technology and the maritime industry’s efforts to reduce emissions.
The renewed MoU provides a basis for future cooperation between EXMAR and Antwerp Maritime Academy, including potential joint educational programmes, collaborative research and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The announcement does not establish a timetable for the implementation of specific programmes under the agreement.
