On May 26, the 21st Opening Ceremony of the MSc Program in Maritime Affairs, specializing in International Transport and Logistics (ITL), was held at the SMU Lingang campus. The ceremony was attended by President Chu Beiping of Shanghai Maritime University and Vice President Daniel Seong-Hyeok Moon of the World Maritime University. Also in attendance were Dr. Chen Gang, Associate Professor and Head of the ITL Program at the World Maritime University, as well as other faculty and staff involved in the program. The event was hosted by the head of the International Education College.
President Chu Beiping highlighted the distinctive features of the ITL program, emphasizing its alignment with the maritime industry’s global shift toward intelligent, green, and resilient development in response to the growing demand for high-quality talent. He underlined the program’s ongoing role in cultivating top-tier maritime professionals for the global shipping industry. President Chu expressed sincere gratitude to Vice President Moon and Dr. Chen for their continuous support, noting that the ITL program reflects the spirit of both universities in advancing international maritime affairs. He described the program as the result of a long-standing partnership built on mutual understanding and trust, and expressed hope that the ITL program—and other joint initiatives with the World Maritime University—would further strengthen Shanghai Maritime University’s international ties and engagement within the global maritime community.
Vice President Daniel Seong-Hyeok Moon reflected on the founding mission of the ITL program in his speech, noting that the rapid growth of China’s maritime industry has created a significant demand for advanced professionals in international transport and logistics. Since 2005, the ITL program has graduated nearly 600 master’s students over 20 cohorts, many of whom have made notable contributions to the global maritime sector. Vice President Moon extended his heartfelt appreciation to Shanghai Maritime University for its long-standing partnership, describing the ITL program as a model of cooperation that showcases the international stature and vision of both institutions. He encouraged the new students to work diligently, broaden their perspectives, and cultivate a spirit of collaboration and innovation, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of the maritime industry.
The World Maritime University, established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, aims to provide high-level management training to maritime authorities, shipping companies, port operators, and maritime academies worldwide. The year 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the ITL program—a significant milestone for both universities.
Following the opening ceremony, the new students attended an orientation session and visited the university’s history museum.
