The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) CEO, Mr. Sultan Al-Marshad, and Honorable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, signed an $80 million financing agreement for the expansion project of the University of the West Indies at Five Islands (UWI) in Antigua and Barbuda. The agreement represents a significant milestone, with Antigua and Barbuda being the 85th state to receive funding for a major development project from SFD.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), launched the marine research vessel ‘Jaywun’, developed by EAD, which is considered the UAE’s first and the most advanced in the Middle East.

A new study on risk management is now available. According to news reporting out of Piraeus, Greece, by NewsRx editors, research stated, “The main objective of this study is to highlight the internal risk factors associated with maritime transportation accidents and the important role of presenting them in the dataset at the time of the incident.”

A state-of-the-art facility which could play a critical role in the global offshore renewable energy sectors has been installed at the University of Plymouth. 

The Nautical Institute (NI), the global professional body for mariners, is delighted to introduce free membership to students and cadets undergoing initial maritime training or education.

THE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has been commended for its policies of gender equality which have manifested in both the number of women employed by the agency as well as those sponsored for capacity development in the country and abroad.

MBARI revealed plans to grant its 25-year-old research vessel Western Flyer to the University of South Florida where the vessel will begin a new life as a sailing classroom for the university's Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO).

Endeavour is partnering with the Bermuda College Division of Athora Professional and Career Education [APACE] for a career development and training initiative “that equips young Bermudians jumpstart their career in the maritime industry.”

The University of Memphis and the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives (IAMPE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing to work together on professional development for the maritime and port industry. The MOU will also designate the University as an Academic Partner of the IAMPE. Under the MOU, U Memphis and the IAMPE will acknowledge and endorse each other’s programs related to port and terminal education and training. The IAMPE will look to provide a professional certification as Marine Terminal Operator (MTO) to U Memphis undergraduate students for successfully completing the appropriate engineering undergraduate program. In addition, U Memphis will grant IAMPE programs academic credits in their related graduate programs. U Memphis graduate students can earn both a master’s degree as well as the Maritime Port Manager (MPM) certification. IAMPE members who independently complete the IAMPE certification could receive academic credit towards the related graduate degrees at U Memphis. The IAMPE will also share all its research and electronic library with faculty as well as course content for the Marine Port Management and Marine Port Executive Certifications. Both organizations will promote each other’s programs to benefit professionals in the industry. They have also agreed to collaborate to develop new programs and undertake research as appropriate to improve the global port and maritime industry. A long-term goal is to establish an Inland Rivers Research and Development Center at the University.

Saipan-based Western Pacific Maritime Academy offered its first U.S. Coast Guard-approved course in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on Sept. 17, according to a news release from the school.