(NEWS) MoU with Namibian Ports Authority

October

2015

MoU with Namibian Ports Authority

On 30 October 2015, the Namibian Ports Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Maritime University (WMU) to enable linkages in the fields of maritime and marine affairs. Under the agreement, WMU will support and contribute to NAMPORT’s staff leadership and professional development through distance education, Executive and Professional Development Courses, Leadership Development, Consultancy Services, and Education in WMU’s MSc programs. The MoU was signed by NAMPORT CEO Mr Bisey Uirab, and WMU President, Dr Cleopatra Doumbia–Henry and witnessed by the Namibian Ambassador to Sweden, Her Excellency Ambassador Morina Muundjo.

The MoU sets forth terms by which NAMPORT and WMU will work together in areas broadly defined to include shipping and port management, maritime safety and security, maritime environmental management and ocean governance. NAMPORT and WMU have agreed to train at least three candidates from Namibia per annum. One candidate will be sponsored by NAMPORT, while the other two candidates will be considered for fellowship by the University donors. Opportunities will not only be limited to NAMPORT employees but will be extended to other industry players in government, to consider and participate in this noble cause of capacity building for the Nation.

Mr Bisey Uirab, CEO, NAMPORT, emphasized the strategic potential of the ‘blue economy’ and the importance of human capacity building to meet industry needs as the motivation for the MoU. “In terms of our National Development goals contained in the NDP 4, one of the key vision 2030 activators is for the country to become a transport and logistic hub. In order to attain this ideal, the right skills and capacity has to be nurtured that will drive the success of this goal. Namibia is also blessed with vast oceans whose potential is currently under tapped. The MoU in this regard, will be part of larger strategic plan to realise more of our blue economy,” stated Mr. Uirab.

Speaking on the same occasion Dr Felix Musukubili, HR Executive, NAMPORT, added that “the immediate need is to prepare our capacity to manage and operate the new container terminal, currently under construction and estimated to be inaugurated at the end of 2017. In this respect, Namport has already benefited from the just formalized relationship with one of the marine pilots, Mr Abisai Konstantinus having completed and graduated from the university with an Msc in Shipping Management and Logistics. He was awarded one of the best student accolades by the university. Namport is indeed proud of his achievement, which shall not only benefit Namport but Namibia as whole.”

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