Maritime Education Collaboration Between Sharjah And Massachusetts Maritime Academies Expands Internationally

Sharjah Maritime Academy and Massachusetts Maritime Academy have entered a Memorandum of Understanding that targets broader cooperation in maritime education and training. The agreement sets a formal structure for joint work on teaching, research, and institutional growth, supporting long-term development of the global maritime workforce.

The MoU is signed at the Sharjah Maritime Academy campus in Khorfakkan by Rear Admiral Francis McDonald, President of Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and Dr. Hashim AlZaabi, Chancellor of Sharjah Maritime Academy. Both institutions express aligned aims for high-quality maritime education and international engagement.

The MoU outlines a shared approach to designing strategies and action plans that support effective maritime education. It focuses on preparing cadets and students for roles in the global maritime sector. The framework respects each academy’s academic rules and national regulations while promoting structured cooperation across multiple disciplines.

Cooperation under the agreement spans academic programmes, professional maritime training, joint research projects, and continuing education activities. The MoU also covers institutional development, including the sustainability of maritime education initiatives. Both sides intend to build programmes that are mutually beneficial and match their core study fields and professional objectives.

The two academies plan to collaborate across key specialisations linked to global shipping and port activity. Areas identified in the MoU include marine operations, engineering, commercial functions, and logistics. The agreed study fields are presented below for clarity.

The MoU further enables exchange of faculty members, administrative staff, and qualified undergraduate students. It also encourages joint research and development work in maritime disciplines. These activities aim to support learning, knowledge creation, and professional development, while deepening institutional ties between Sharjah Maritime Academy and Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

On the occasion of the signing, a delegation of Massachusetts Maritime Academy students visits the Sharjah Maritime Academy campus. The group tours academic and training facilities, including simulators and laboratories. The visit offers direct insight into Sharjah Maritime Academy’s applied learning model and maritime training infrastructure.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Hashim Al Zaabi, Chancellor of Sharjah Maritime Academy, stated, "This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our commitment to strengthening international collaboration with leading maritime education institutions, supporting the advancement of maritime education, training, and research, and contributing to the preparation of skilled professionals for the global maritime sector." Rear Admiral Francis McDonald, President of Massachusetts Maritime Academy, added that "the MoU provides a structured basis for academic cooperation and international engagement that supportslearning, research, and professional development in maritime disciplines."

The signing of the MoU demonstrates a shared interest by Sharjah Maritime Academy and Massachusetts Maritime Academy in advancing maritime education and workforce development at an international level. Through coordinated programmes, exchanges, and research, both institutions aim to support skills development that aligns with global maritime industry needs.

With inputs from WAM