New Training Ship Unveiled for Sharjah Maritime Academy

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, chaired a meeting of the Board of Trustees at the Sharjah Maritime Academy in Khorfakkan on Thursday.

During this significant gathering, His Highness announced a generous donation of a state-of-the-art training ship, fully equipped with cutting-edge technologies. This new asset is set to serve as a vital resource for student practical learning and skill enhancement in maritime contexts.

The Ruler expressed his admiration for the swift advancements the academy has made, commending the leadership of Dr Hashim bin Sarhan Al Zaabi. He noted the institution's growth trajectory since its founding and the hurdles it has successfully navigated.

His Highness pledged continued support for the academy’s initiatives aimed at delivering top-tier education in fields such as maritime transport, navigation, and supply chain management, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships for future sustainability.

The Board took the opportunity to discuss a variety of pressing agenda items, including plans for academic development, partnerships, and performance evaluations. The fiscal blueprint for the 2026–2027 academic year was also ratified.

In addition, the Board greenlit four new academic programs following initial accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. These programs are:

• Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Sustainable Marine Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Marine Environment and Renewable Energy
• Master of Science in Intelligent Marine Systems and Artificial Intelligence
• Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management

A collaborative effort with the Cypriot Maritime Administration has led to the approval of new professional training programs aimed at helping seasoned maritime professionals elevate their careers.

This partnership is expected to enhance the academy’s global profile, paving the way for increased employment prospects for graduates.

The Board reviewed an extensive report from Dr Hashim Al Zaabi detailing the academy's achievements in academic, administrative, and research domains over the last year.

This report confirmed the renewal of institutional accreditation for four years without any weaknesses reported by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The academy’s facilities and academic standards received compliments from the evaluating committee.

Several programs also secured international accreditation, including the Bachelor of Maritime Logistics and Supply Chain Management and the engineering programs.

The meeting additionally highlighted plans to expand maritime training services across the UAE and the Arab region, covering areas such as port security and ship traffic control.

Furthermore, the academy’s recent accreditation as a maritime training center in Liberia and Panama reflects its deepening international recognition.

Moreover, the academy achieved ISO 9001:2015 compliance certification, affirming its commitment to meeting international education standards.

The Board discussed various reports and recommendations from several key committees ensuring all necessary decisions were taken. Senior officials, academic leaders, and maritime experts from both the UAE and abroad participated in the meeting.