New maritime centre to boost maritime jobs and skills - RMU Chancellor

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM), a member of the Schulte Group, has officially inaugurated the BSM Maritime Training Centre at the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Accra.

The state-of-the-art facility aims to enhance the skills and competencies of maritime personnel across Ghana and the wider sub-region. It features classrooms, workshops, a mooring station, conference rooms, a cafeteria, apartments, and a hospitality section.

Speaking at the ceremony, RMU Chancellor Alhaji Fanday Turay praised the partnership, calling it “a legacy of purposeful investment in people."

He mentioned that the facility is equipped to deliver training that meets both current and future industry demands.”

Alhaji Fanday Turay said that BSM has recruited over 600 cadets from RMU since 2012, with plans to expand this number.

“This is a legacy of purposeful investment in people. The facility is equipped to deliver training that meets both current and future industry demands,” Alhaji Turay remarked.

He called on stakeholders to maintain strong partnerships, set high standards, and harness synergies for collective growth.

Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Dr Kamal-Deen Ali, on his part described the inauguration as “a symbol of diversity, unity, and fruitful partnerships.

"Ghana is proud of its seafarers, and we appreciate our partners for creating educational and employment opportunities for our youth,” he noted.

Dr Kamal-Deen Ali stressed the importance of Ghana taking greater control in the maritime value chain.

“The maritime value chain is vast and Ghana, along with the sub-region, must take greater control and leadership,” he pointed out.

BSM Chairman Ian Beveridge reaffirmed the company’s commitment to investing in Ghana and supporting cadet training.

“We are committed to recruiting qualified trainers and creating employment opportunities for graduates,” he said.

RMU Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Jethro W. Brooks Jr., emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry.

He also appealed to BSM to support the university in constructing a hostel to house at least 500 students, noting the rising enrollment.

After the inauguration, dignitaries led by Captain Joshua Addo, BSM Country Director and RMU Lecturer, toured the facility and lauded its potential to significantly enhance maritime training across the region.