Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) and the University of Nicosia have signed a cooperation agreement granting the university’s maritime academy full access to BSM’s maritime training centre, located at the Limassol Marina.
The maritime academy plans to begin admitting students in September, 2016, offering three degree programmes in marine science, marine engineering and marine electrical engineering.
This partnership represents a significant contribution to Cyprus’s ‘Blue Growth’ programme, which is an initiative aimed at stimulating growth, jobs and competitiveness in the marine and maritime sectors.
Dr. Nicos Peristianis, President of the Council of the University of Nicosia, said: “This agreement enables us to offer specialised degree programmes for merchant marine officers.
“Aspiring officers now have access to high level education and training, as well as being able to develop their skills in line with technological developments, supporting the essential role they play for the shipping industry.”
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Captain Norbert Aschmann, CEO of BSM, said: “BSM has a long and proud tradition in Cyprus and is committed to the development of Cyprus as a major global maritime hub.
“The opportunity to partner with the University of Nicosia will ensure that our excellent training facilities not only provide career development internally for our own personnel, but also benefit the next generation of seafarers who will undergo their academic training through the Maritime Academy.
Aschmann concluded: “Over the years, BSM has made considerable investment into building a world class training facility on the island to support the professional development of its own seafarers, as well as the local maritime community; which continues this year with the installation of advanced Kongsberg Full Mission Bridge and Engine Simulators.”
