Liberia, Shanghai Maritime University Sign Landmark Agreement to Boost Maritime Training and Governance

The Shanghai Maritime University (SMU) and the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in maritime education, technical capacity development and institutional governance.

The agreement provides a framework for strategic partnership in training maritime professionals, exchanging knowledge and enhancing standards across Liberia’s maritime sector. Both institutions will work together to design and implement programmes that improve maritime safety, security, environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance.

It can be recalled that in October, on the sidelines of the prestigious North Bund Forum in Shanghai, the Commissioner/CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., held a high-level meeting with senior executives of Shanghai Maritime University, including Chairman of the University Council, Song Baoru; University President, Chu Beiping; and Vice President, Yin Ming. That engagement laid the foundation for the formal cooperation now being advanced.

A central component of the MoU is the development of scholarship opportunities for talented Liberian students to pursue advanced degrees and specialised technical training at SMU. The initiative is expected to nurture a new generation of maritime leaders equipped to contribute to national development and global maritime governance.

The cooperation will also involve technical assistance, institutional support and faculty exchange between SMU and the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI), aimed at reinforcing Liberia’s maritime governance framework.

Commissioner/CEO Lighe said he is confident the partnership will significantly advance Liberia’s drive to build a skilled maritime workforce, strengthen institutional capacity and reinforce the country’s growing influence in the global maritime sector.

Source : LiMA