Boats and beds added to university

Boosting regional maritime training

GHANA: In a bid to strengthen the Regional Maritime University’s (RMU) ability to provide practical maritime education, Modec Production Services Ghana handed over a fully operational workboat to the institution in Accra last month.

Described as a “floating classroom,” Handler 2 is expected to be transferred to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GHAPOHA), under whose facilitation RMU will employ the vessel in training cadets and seafarers in practical maritime operations.

In addition to the workboat, MODEC presented a cash donation of $20,000 to support the transportation, transfer, and maintenance of the vessel.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of RMU, Dr Jethro Brooks, conveyed appreciation for the continued partnership with MODEC. He noted that the collaboration has been built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and capacity-building, and further stated that the vessel would be fully integrated into the university’s academic and training curriculum to provide students with real-world maritime experience.

Remarks delivered on behalf of Theophilus Ahwireng, Managing Director of MODEC Production Services Ghana indicated that the donation was viewed as a long-term investment in the development of maritime education and offshore competencies in Ghana and the wider region.

Over $2.3 million has been invested in RMU-related projects by MODEC and its partners, including the establishment of a $1.8 million Welding Training Centre, developed in collaboration with Tullow Oil.

Dormitory unveiled

The RMU also recently unveiled a new 50-bed dormitory shaped in the form of a vessel. The building was named SS World Peace in tribute to the first ship ever registered under the Liberian flag, shortly after the establishment of the country’s maritime programme in 1948.

Dedicating the 50-bed capacity dormitory on behalf of President Boakai, Samuel Stevquoah, minister of State for Special Projects, hailed the project as a symbol of Liberia’s enduring commitment to maritime leadership and regional integration.

“This is more than just a building. It is a reaffirmation of Liberia’s leading role in global shipping and its commitment to empowering the next generation of maritime professionals,” he said.

Also present was Cllr Neto Zarzar Lighe, Commissioner/CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), who played a key role in steering the project to completion.

“This dormitory stands as a living monument of our maritime legacy and a practical investment in the future of the region’s seafaring and shipping workforce,” said Commissioner Lighe.