The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the World Maritime University (WMU) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the IMO Council in London to advance global maritime education, specialized training, and manpower development. Building on a partnership spanning over two decades, the renewed agreement focuses on equipping future maritime leaders with the essential skills required to navigate industry-wide decarbonization and digitalization.
Singapore | July 6, 2026 – The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the World Maritime University (WMU) have officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to elevate maritime education, specialized training, and global manpower development.
The agreement was signed on July 6, by Mr. Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., President of WMU. The signing took place on the sidelines of the 137th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London, underscoring the international significance of the alliance.
Expanding a Decades-Long Legacy of Collaboration
The new MOU builds directly on a robust, long-standing partnership cemented by previous agreements in 2015 and 2019. However, the institutional ties run even deeper: collaboration between MPA and the Malmö-headquartered university began back in 2004 when Singapore first hosted WMU students for annual field studies.
To date, these immersion programs have brought more than 400 students from 70 countries to Singapore, providing firsthand exposure to one of the world’s leading global hub ports. Under the newly minted framework, these critical field studies will continue, alongside enhanced efforts by MPA to promote WMU’s specialized professional development courses among Singapore’s domestic maritime workforce.
Key Pillars of the New Agreement
The renewed framework aims to future-proof the global maritime talent pool by focusing on several core areas:
- Specialized Training Programs: Co-developing targeted curricula addressing contemporary industry shifts.
- Expertise & Faculty Exchanges: Facilitating the cross-pollination of academic rigor and operational excellence between both institutions.
- Knowledge Sharing: Expanding collaborative platforms for members to exchange insights on modern regulatory, technical, and commercial challenges.
Leadership Perspectives on Industry Transformation
With shipping navigating a high-stakes transition driven by environmental mandates and technological upheaval, both leaders emphasized human capital as the ultimate catalyst for change.
“WMU has been a valued partner for over two decades, not just for Maritime Singapore but for the global maritime community. This MOU reaffirms our shared commitment to developing maritime talent through capacity building and knowledge exchange. As the industry navigates decarbonisation, digitalisation and a more complex operating environment, we continue to work together to strengthen maritime capabilities and equip maritime professionals with skills needed to support the industry’s future.” said, Mr. Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive, MPA
Echoing this sentiment, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr. highlighted the universal scope of the partnership:
“The renewal of our long-standing partnership with MPA reflects a shared commitment to capacity development and human capital. Together, we are empowering maritime professionals with the knowledge, skills and global perspectives needed to lead the transformation of the maritime industry towards a more sustainable and resilient future.” said, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., President, WMU
Strategic Implications for Global Shipping
As shipping moves deeper into its green corridor and digital operational eras, human resource constraints and skills gaps remain primary bottlenecks for shipowners, port operators, and regulatory bodies alike. By aligning the administrative and regulatory foresight of the MPA with the academic excellence of the UN-backed WMU, the alliance ensures that the next generation of maritime leaders are adequately equipped to handle zero-emission alternative fuels, digital automated ports, and complex international compliance frameworks.
About the World Maritime University (WMU)
The World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden, was established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The mission of WMU is to be the world center of excellence in postgraduate maritime and oceans education, professional training, and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable development. WMU’s vision is to inspire leadership and innovation for a sustainable maritime and oceans future. WMU is an organization by and for the international maritime community and is committed to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
MPA Singapore was established in 1996 with the mission to develop Singapore as a global hub port and international maritime center, and to advance and safeguard Singapore’s strategic maritime interests. MPA takes on multiple roles as Singapore’s maritime and port regulator and planner, international maritime center champion, national maritime representative, and a leader in maritime digitalization and decarbonization efforts. MPA partners with the industry, research community, and other agencies to enhance safety, security, and environmental protection, facilitate maritime and port operations and growth, expand multi-domain capabilities, and support the cluster of maritime services and manpower development.
Source: MPA Singapore