Mombasa:Kenya’s efforts to modernize its maritime sector have been significantly boosted by South Korea’s donation of a modern training ship for seafarers, including cadets.
According to Kenya News Agency, Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) and Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) signed a contract to deliver the vessel, named ‘MV MY DREAM’, which will support seagoing training at the Academy in Mombasa. This donation is a major step forward in advancing the blue economy, focusing on marine research, maritime education, innovation, and capacity building.
The vessel is expected to enhance the Academy’s Full Bridge Mission Simulator, providing practical training in navigation, engine maintenance, seamanship, marine safety, cargo handling, emergency response, firefighting, lifesaving procedures, and shipboard communication. The donation comes at a crucial time, given the increase in blue economy projects and ocean innovations in coastal counties like Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu.
BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana emphasized that the vessel will significantly enhance the Academy’s training capacity, offering invaluable practical experience to trainees. It will complement the simulation-based training already provided at the Academy, which is recognized as a Regional Centre of Excellence in maritime skills.
The contract signing marks the beginning of preparations for the delivery of MV MY DREAM to Mombasa. This donation is also seen as strengthening diplomatic relations between Kenya and South Korea. The training vessel will help students in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, and Ratings courses apply classroom knowledge to actual ship operations, fostering competencies needed in the maritime industry.
