On the afternoon of September 15, the opening ceremony for the class 2025 international students was held at the Shipping Science and Technology Innovation Building at Shanghai Maritime University’s Lingang campus. Over 100 undergraduates, master’s and doctoral students from more than 30 countries, as well as exchange students from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, gathered together to begin their academic journey at Shanghai Maritime University. Vice President Yin Ming attended the ceremony and delivered a welcoming speech. Distinguished guests included Jethro Wilbert Brooks Jr., President of the Regional Maritime University, Ghana, and Zhuang Wei, General Manager for the Asia-Pacific region of the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), both of whom were invited to give speeches. The ceremony was hosted by the heads of the university’s International Office and the International Education College.
In the welcome speech, Vice President Yin Ming extended a warm welcome to all the new students on behalf of the university. He emphasized that Shanghai Maritime University, known for its focus on shipping, logistics, and maritime studies, has always adhered to an open and inclusive international educational philosophy. The university is committed to providing high-quality educational resources and a multicultural learning environment for students from all over the world. He highlighted that, in the face of global challenges such as climate change and energy transition, the decision to study maritime and shipping is of profound significance. He expressed hope that the students would become important forces in promoting sustainable development in the industry. He encouraged the freshmen to cherish their time at the university, explore actively, communicate openly, and become cultural ambassadors and professionals who bridge China with the world.
Mr. Brooks fondly reflected on the 15-year history of collaboration between Regional Maritime University and Shanghai Maritime University, noting the fruitful results in joint training programs, faculty exchanges, and research cooperation. He especially highlighted that hundreds of students had benefited from the collaborative projects over the years, becoming key figures in the maritime industry. He expressed his anticipation for expanding the scope of cooperation and his belief that the joint efforts of both universities would bring new vitality to global maritime education.
Mr. Zhuang Wei, speaking from an industry perspective, pointed out that the global shipping industry is undergoing profound transformations with green and digital development. He encouraged students to seize the opportunities of the times and dedicate themselves to sustainable development. He stressed that, under the context of the International Maritime Organization's emission reduction strategy and the development of new energy vessel technologies, the industry urgently needs versatile talents who are both technically proficient and skilled in management. He urged students to solidify their professional knowledge, broaden their horizons, and embrace innovation, with the expectation that they will play an important role in driving industry change. He also assured that BIMCO would continue to deepen its cooperation with the university, offering more internship opportunities and chances to participate in international affairs.
Kran De Schepper, a new doctoral student from Belgium, shared her excitement as the representative of the incoming doctoral students. She stated that choosing Shanghai Maritime University was a significant decision in her academic career. The university’s outstanding reputation in transportation management and maritime technology, as well as its advanced research facilities, greatly attracted her. She expressed her anticipation of deeply engaging in research topics during her doctoral studies, communicating extensively with faculty and students from diverse cultural backgrounds, exploring cutting-edge scientific issues, and believed that the academic atmosphere at the university would help expand her vision, enhance her abilities, and contribute to the development of maritime science and technology.
Eleos Tan, an exchange student from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, shared his excitement upon arriving at the university. He noted that Shanghai, as an international shipping hub, offers abundant practical resources and industry perspectives for studying maritime management. He looks forward to enhancing his professional skills and gaining a deeper understanding of China’s shipping policies and cultural environment through his exchange semester, hoping to become a bridge for youth exchanges between China and Singapore.
This opening ceremony was not only a welcoming event but also an important reflection of Shanghai Maritime University’s commitment to advancing its internationalization strategy and deepening global educational cooperation. The university will continue to provide high-quality educational resources and support services to international students, helping them achieve excellence and fulfill their dreams.
