The Regional Maritime University (RMU) and DNV Benmarine Services (BmS) have entered into a groundbreaking partnership to kick-start the local production of welding electrodes that meet international standards. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the University’s premises.
This transformative collaboration seeks to boost local manufacturing capacity and significantly reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported electrodes, paving the way for innovation, job creation, and sustainable industrial growth. By positioning Ghana as a regional hub for electrode production, the initiative is expected to have a ripple effect across industries, particularly in the oil and gas, maritime, and engineering sectors.
Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Vice Chancellor of RMU, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks, expressed his profound gratitude to DNV BmS for the collaboration. He highlighted that production is expected to commence soon, with a strong focus on not only supplying the local market but also addressing youth unemployment and supporting the government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy. This national policy seeks to enhance productivity and output, with RMU positioning itself to empower students with practical industry-driven skills.
Dr. Brooks emphasized that the RMU–DNV BmS partnership represents the future of innovation, where synergy between academia and industry drives solutions to real-world challenges. He noted that the collaboration would serve as a model for strategic partnerships, combining research, education, and sustainable development to strengthen Ghana’s industrial base.
On his part, Managing Director of DNV BmS, Mr. Frederick Asamoah, commended RMU for its vision and commitment to the initiative. He revealed that research into electrode production has already begun, with preliminary background work completed, and confirmed that locally sourced raw materials had shown strong potential for large-scale application. He further disclosed that the next phase involves sending samples abroad for international testing and certification, to ensure compliance with global industry standards.
“This gives us the momentum to build on what has already been done, and we look forward to receiving the necessary feedback to proceed toward full-scale production,” Mr. Asamoah remarked.
He was accompanied by Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Bernard Lomotey Agbloe, and Administrator, Ms. Mercy Otoo, who were also recognized for their contributions to the project.
The MoU signing marks a significant milestone in RMU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen industry-academic collaboration, reaffirming the University’s commitment to providing solutions that drive industrial transformation, empower youth, and advance Ghana’s economic agenda.