In a landmark move to bridge academia and industry, the Regional Maritime University (RMU) and DNV Benmarine Services (BmS) have launched a strategic training initiative designed not only to enhance professional capacity in the maritime sector but also to spearhead local innovation in research and manufacturing.

Unveiled on Wednesday, April 16,2025, the “DNV & RMU Training Programmes for Industry Stakeholders” aim to develop high-level technical skills in maritime safety, operations, and risk management while laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration.

A key outcome of the partnership is the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will drive research into the local production of welding electrodes to meet international standards—a transformative move set to boost local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.

“This initiative goes beyond training. It’s about innovation, sustainability, and building Ghana’s capacity as a leader in maritime excellence across Africa,” said Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr., Acting Vice-Chancellor of RMU.

Dr Brooks emphasized that the partnership between RMU and DNV embodies the future of innovation—one driven not in isolation but through synergistic collaboration that harnesses the strengths of both academia and industry.

He further highlighted RMU’s pride in being part of this forward-looking alliance, which aligns with the university’s broader strategic vision to promote sustainability, deepen international collaboration, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of maritime education and practice across Africa.

DNV Regional Manager Ian Edward underscored Ghana’s strategic value in the region’s maritime future, highlighting the programme’s potential to create a new generation of highly skilled professionals ready to drive industry evolution.

“The RMU-DNV BmS collaboration sets a precedent for how strategic partnerships can solve real-world challenges through research, education, and a shared vision for sustainable growth,” he stated.

Regional Maritime Academy Manager for the Middle East and Africa, Ms. Michelle Maria Kurian, and Managing Director of DNV BmS, Frederick Asamoah, also expressed strong enthusiasm for the collaboration, particularly in the areas of academic and industrial research, as well as knowledge sharing to address challenges facing the maritime industry.

Additional presentations were made by the Deputy Managing Director of DNV BmS, Bernard Lomotey Agbloe, and Business Controller, Mary Owusu Ewusi.

Leaders from key maritime and petroleum institutions, including the Ghana Maritime Authority, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Tullow, MODEC, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), were in attendance, marking a unified industry commitment to the success of the initiative.

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