Kenya’s plans to modernize its maritime sector have received a major boost after South Korea offered to donate a modern training ship for seafarers, including cadets.
Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) and Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) have signed a contract to deliver a training vessel donated by the Republic of South Korea to support seagoing training at the Academy in Mombasa.
Strategically located on a scenic oceanfront, in the vibrant port city of Mombasa, Bandari Maritime Academy is Kenya’s premier center for maritime education and training
The vessel christened ‘MV MY DREAM’, is expected to play a key role in maritime training by providing cadets with practical, hands-on experience in a real shipboard environment.
The move is a significant step towards advancing the blue economy in marine research, maritime education, innovation, and capacity building.
Stakeholders hailed the donation noting that it comes at a time when there is a surge of blue economy projects and ocean innovations in the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu which are transforming communities and livelihoods.
The vessel will complement the Academy’s Full Bridge Mission Simulator and enhance training in navigation, engine maintenance and operation, seamanship, marine safety, cargo handling, watchkeeping, emergency response, firefighting, lifesaving procedures, and shipboard communication.
Speaking during the signing ceremony BMA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Eric Katana said the vessel’s arrival will enhance the Academy’s training capacity and strengthen its mandate to develop skilled human capital for the blue economy sector.
The blue economy sector also known as the sustainable ocean-based economy encompasses fisheries, maritime biotechnology, aquaculture, tourism and marine transport and logistics.
“The vessel will provide our trainees with invaluable practical experience and complement the simulation-based training offered at the Academy,” said Dr. Katana adding that the vessel will be under the custody of the college for maritime training purposes.
He said the donation supports the Bandari Maritime Academy’s mandates in maritime safety, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, marine environmental protection, and maritime capacity-building.
Dr. Katana said the signing of the contract paves the way for KSL to commence preparations for the delivery of MV MY DREAM to Mombasa.
“This donation of the training vessel further strengthens diplomatic relations between Kenya and South Korea,” he said.
The Bandari Maritime Academy is a well-recognized Regional Centre of Excellence in teaching, training, scholarship, innovation and research in maritime skills.
“We equip future seafarers and industry leaders with the skills required to navigate the dynamic world of the blue economy,” he said, adding that the blue economy sector is the next frontier for economic resilience and development.
He said the training vessel is expected to enhance experiential learning for students undertaking Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, and Ratings courses, enabling them to apply classroom knowledge to actual shipboard operations and develop competencies required in the maritime industry.
BMA officials present during the signing ceremony included Senior Deputy Director, Corporate Services, CPA Evans Oyieyo; Acting Senior Deputy Director, Maritime Education and Training, Maj. (Rtd.) Franklyne Toniok; and Senior Legal Officer Lisa Loy.
by Hussein Abdullahi
