The maritime industry serves as the backbone of global trade and economic development. And its future is inextricably linked to expertise and dedication of well-trained professionals. In light of the rapid globalization of the international shipping sector, the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) was established in 1999 and forged ahead with a shared understanding of the vital role of maritime education and training. Owing to the generous support of The Nippon Foundation, IAMU has witnessed a remarkable expansion in its membership from seven founding members to a global alliance of 81 members across 44 countries.

As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of maritime education and training, our association stands as a beacon of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. IAMU plays a pivotal role in fostering a global community of maritime universities and institutions, and maintains committed to nurturing the next generation of maritime leaders. Through our concerted and collaborative endeavors, we strive to advance maritime education, promote Global Maritime Professional (GMP) Initiative, and address the pressing challenges facing our industry today.

It is essential to recognize that such historic achievements were made possible only by the foresight and enduring support of our benefactor, The Nippon Foundation and its Chair, Dr. Yohei Sasakawa. Dr. Sasakawa’s vision for a truly global organization has been instrumental in ensuring high standards of maritime education and training, which, in turn, has facilitated the rapid expansion and globalization of international shipping.

IAMU is grounded in the principles of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By uniting institutions worldwide, we have created a platform where ideas can flourish, and solutions can be jointly devised. From cutting-edge research to pedagogical innovations, IAMU members are leading the way in pushing maritime education to new heights.

Looking ahead, IAMU remains steadfast in its mission to advance high-quality maritime education and training. We will persist in advocating for the adoption of international standards, supporting our members in their quest of excellence, and working tirelessly to equip the next generation of maritime professionals to navigate an ever-evolving industry. Through our collective efforts, IAMU will reach new heights, drive the future of maritime education, and contribute to the sustainable development of the maritime industry.

Last but not least, as President of Dalian Maritime University, I take pride in DMU’s longstanding partnership with IAMU. Embracing an open development strategy, DMU will continue our commitment to fostering stronger partnerships, sharing knowledge and enhancing collaboration among member universities to shape the promising future of maritime education.

Sincerely,

SHAN Hongjun
Chair of IAMU
Professor, PhD
President of Dalian Maritime University