As part of the ongoing cooperation between Kuwait and the People’s Republic of China, and within the framework of the strategic partnership between the Australian University (AU) and the General Directorate of the Coast Guard to advance Kuwait’s maritime sector, the Maritime Department at AU welcomed a Chinese maritime delegation during an official visit organized at the invitation of the General Directorate of the Coast Guard.
The visiting delegation included representatives from Shanghai Maritime University, Dalian Maritime University, and the China Maritime Safety Administration. The visit aimed to introduce the delegation to the academic and professional maritime programs offered by AU in support of various maritime sectors in Kuwait, as well as to explore mechanisms of cooperation between maritime authorities and maritime education providers, particularly in relation to certificates of competency and compliance with the regulations and standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
During the meeting, AU President Prof. Isam Zabalawi delivered a visual presentation about the university, which was by a comprehensive presentation by Captain Liam Toner, Senior Manager of Maritime Operations & Quality, who outlined the university’s accredited maritime programs and training courses, emphasizing their integration of theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical training in line with the latest international maritime education and training standards.
The visit also included a guided tour of the university’s facilities, where the delegation explored advanced simulation systems and the maritime navigation laboratories operated by the Maritime Department. The tour provided insight into the university’s technical capabilities and the modern educational infrastructure supporting applied maritime training.
The Chinese delegation expressed its appreciation for the visit and the level of academic and technical excellence demonstrated. Discussions were held regarding future areas of collaboration with Chinese maritime universities and the China Maritime Safety Administration, including the organization of reciprocal visits as a first step toward signing a memorandum of understanding aimed at joint cooperation and the development of qualified maritime professionals.
