In 1984, Shanghai Maritime College (renamed Shanghai Maritime University in 2004) initiated a partnership with the Higher Gdynia Maritime School in Poland, now Gdynia Maritime University. Over the past 40 years, this collaboration has fostered the growth of teaching and research, creating a remarkable chapter in Sino-Polish maritime education cooperation. Frequent exchanges of faculty and students, combined with ongoing academic collaborations, have nurtured outstanding talents equipped with international perspectives and cross-cultural communication skills.
In July 2024, Mr. Adam Weintrit, Rector of Gdynia Maritime University, visited Shanghai Maritime University and expressed a strong commitment to deepening cooperation in areas such as scientific research and faculty-student exchanges. Later that year, in December, Mr. Song Baoru, Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Maritime University Committee, led a delegation to Poland to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the partnership. The delegation aimed to chart future cooperation plans, expand joint research initiatives, share experimental facilities, and advance student shipboard internship programs, further strengthening maritime education ties.
On the academic front, experts and scholars from both universities have shared educational philosophies and driven advancements in maritime education. Every year, Mr. Tomasz Tarasiuk, Deputy Rector of Gdynia Maritime University, delivers cutting-edge courses and lectures at Shanghai Maritime University, significantly enhancing knowledge dissemination in key disciplines.
The deepening of academic exchanges has also spurred collaborative research. Faculty members from both institutions have jointly undertaken 15 Sino-Polish intergovernmental scientific and technological cooperation projects since 1995. These collaborations have resulted in co-authored research papers and the development of advanced simulator teaching software, boosting the competitiveness of their scientific disciplines.
Student exchange programs have been a cornerstone of the partnership. Over the past decade, Gdynia Maritime University has sent several students annually to Shanghai Maritime University for semester-long exchanges. Marta Kokosza, a first-year graduate student in International Trade at Shanghai Maritime University, reflected on her experience: “The exchange semester broadened my horizons, enriched my knowledge, and clarified my career path.”
Looking ahead, the two universities will continue to deepen cooperation, exploring new areas and channels for collaboration. Ruan Wei, Director of the International Office and Dean of the International Education College at Shanghai Maritime University, emphasized the university’s commitment to expanding partnerships with global institutions. These efforts aim to cultivate high-end international maritime talents and advance global maritime education and shipping economics. With these initiatives, Shanghai Maritime University is steadily progressing towards its vision of becoming a globally influential, high-level maritime university.
Figure 1:In 2024, Song Baoru, Secretary of the CPC Shanghai Maritime University Committee, led a delegation to attend the 40th anniversary of cooperation between Shanghai Maritime University and Gdynia Maritime University in Poland
Figure 2:Shanghai Maritime University and Gdynia Maritime University signed a renewed cooperation agreement
Figure 3:Tomasz Tarasiuk, the Deputy Rector of Gdynia Maritime University delivered lecture in Shanghai Maritime University
Figure 4:Adam Weintrit, the Rector of Gdynia Maritime University participated in the Parallel Forum of the DSH International Shipping Innovation Conference
Figure 5:Students from Shanghai Maritime University went to Gdynia Maritime University for exchange study
Figure 6:International student Marta Kokosza from Gdynia Maritime University studying at Shanghai Maritime University