Danaos Shipping Company Limited, one of the world’s leading operators of independent containership fleets, has officially recruited 60 graduates from the Regional Maritime University (RMU). This significant milestone underscores the growing partnership between the global shipping giant and the university.
Of the recruits, 40 cadets are already onboard various Danaos vessels, with the remaining 20 set to join in the coming days. The announcement was made on Wednesday, December 18, in Accra by Mr. Christos Silakoumas, Crew Director at Danaos Shipping, during a courtesy visit to RMU to reaffirm the collaboration established two years ago.
The meeting celebrated the achievements of this partnership and explored future opportunities to enhance maritime education and training for RMU cadets.
RMU management and Danaos officials engaged in productive discussions.
STRENGTHENING MARITIME COLLABORATION
Mr. Silakoumas, who led the Danaos delegation, emphasized the company’s commitment to its partnership with RMU, describing it as a vital source of highly skilled cadets.
“As long as the cadets continue to perform at a high standard, Danaos, with over 82 vessels and ongoing expansion initiatives, will continue to recruit more RMU students,” he stated. He also highlighted pathways such as the Junior Officers Programme, which provides RMU cadets opportunities to progress to higher ranks within the company.
However, he noted a critical gap in the maritime industry: the demand for Marine Electricians and Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs). “Any country capable of training and certifying these professionals wins the jackpot,” he remarked, calling attention to the pressing need for specialized training in this field.
RMU TO LAUNCH ETO PROGRAMME
In response, RMU’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr, announced the university’s proactive steps to address this industry gap. He revealed that RMU has received approval from the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) to roll out an ETO programme early next year. This initiative aims to supply the maritime sector with highly skilled professionals in high demand.
Dr. Brooks also expressed gratitude to Danaos Shipping for its unwavering support, describing the partnership as mutually beneficial. He further noted that the incoming Ghanaian government is committed to increasing the number of seafaring graduates, with RMU playing a pivotal role in this agenda.
PROMOTING GENDER DIVERSITY IN MARITIME
During the meeting, Dr. Brooks encouraged Danaos Shipping to actively include female cadets in their recruitment. He emphasized this as part of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) efforts to increase female participation in the maritime sector.
LOOKING AHEAD
The collaboration between RMU and Danaos Shipping represents a vital step forward in bridging the gap between maritime education and industry demands. With the planned introduction of the ETO programme and Danaos’ continued investment in RMU graduates, the future of maritime training and employment looks promising.
This partnership not only reaffirms RMU’s commitment to producing world-class seafarers but also sets the stage for expanded opportunities for its cadets in the global maritime sector.
Information Source: Marketing Unit.