Universities : WMU supports Lebanese Maritime Education and Tranining

On 13 July 2020, WMU President, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, was the keynote guest at a live-streamed ceremony marking the official opening of the new premises of the International Maritime Academy (IMA) in Jounieh, Lebanon, and the announcement by the latter of the conclusion of a new joint venture with MaritimeMT, a maritime academy based in Malta. The Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport, His Excellency Mr Michel Najjar, was in attendance. Also present was Mr Nemat Frem, Member of the Lebanese Parliament.

In her remarks, President Doumbia-Henry congratulated IMA on its new and expanded premises and the significant upgrade to its training resources, including the installation of brand-new simulator facilities and the provision of lecturers by MaritimeMT, pursuant to the joint venture. “Considering the financial crisis in Lebanon, the partnership between IMA and Maritime MT of Malta will without a doubt open up the maritime sector to a greater proportion of Lebanese young people – men and women – as well as students from neighbouring countries. As President of WMU and as agreed in the MOU we signed last year, we at WMU look forward to providing any assistance that IMA may need to make this acquisition a success. We remain available to support IMA’s capacity-building needs and to help it forge ahead with this new partnership with MT Malta and its expanded mission for the benefit of Lebanon and the wider region,” she said.

Mr. Andrea Lodolo, Chairman of MaritimeMT, spoke of the strategic importance of its new partnership, which will position IMA  to serve the maritime education and training needs across the Middle East, Gulf Cooperation Council and the North Africa region, in the merchant marine, yachting, hospitality and related sectors.

Importantly, students will graduate with certificates of competency in line with the IMO STCW Convention and the MLC, 2006 as amended from IMA and MaritimeMT jointly, thereby earning certifications recognised by both the Lebanese and Maltese Governments.

In 2019, WMU President Doumbia-Henry paid an official visit to Lebanon. MOUs were concluded with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and IMA.

Press – release