On May 26, the 21th Opening Ceremony of the MSc Program in Maritime Affairs Specialization in International Transport and Logistics was held at SMU Lingang campus. The ceremony was attended by President Chu Beiping of Shanghai Maritime University and Vice President Daniel Seong-Hyeok Moon of World Maritime University. Also present were Dr. Chen Gang, Associate Professor and Head of the ITL Program of World Maritime University, along with other faculty and staff members involved in the ITL program. The event was hosted by the head of the International Education College.
President Chu Beiping introduced the distinctive features of the ITL program, emphasizing that the program is aligned with the maritime industry’s global trends toward intelligent, green, and resilient development, responding to the increasing demand for high-quality talent. He highlighted the program’s ongoing role in developing top-tier maritime professionals for the global shipping industry. President Chu expressed sincere gratitude to Vice President Moon and Dr. Chen for their ongoing support, noting that the ITL program embodies the spirit of both universities in promoting the development of international maritime affairs. He described the program as a result of the universities' long-standing collaboration, mutual understanding, and trust, and expressed hope that the ITL program, along with other cooperative efforts with World Maritime University, would further strengthen Shanghai Maritime University’s international connections and exchanges within the global maritime community.
Vice President Daniel Seong-Hyeok Moon of World Maritime University reflected on the founding mission of the ITL program in his speech, noting that the rapid rise of China’s maritime industry has generated significant demand for advanced professionals in international transport and logistics. Since 2005, the ITL program has graduated nearly 600 master's students across 20 cohorts, who have made notable contributions to the global maritime sector. Vice President Moon extended his heartfelt appreciation to Shanghai Maritime University for its long-term partnership and collaboration, describing the ITL program as a model of cooperation that showcases the international stature and vision of both universities. He encouraged the new students to work diligently, expand their horizons, and cultivate a spirit of collaboration and innovation, preparing them to contribute to the sustainable development of the maritime industry in the future.
World Maritime University, established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, aims to provide high-level management training to maritime authorities, shipping companies, port operators, and maritime academies worldwide. The year 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the ITL program, a significant milestone for both universities.
Following the inauguration ceremony, the new students participated in an orientation session and visited the university’s history museum.
