Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) and Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL) have signed a contract to deliver a training vessel donated by the Republic of Korea to support seagoing training at the Academy in Mombasa.
The vessel, MV MY DREAM, is expected to play a key role in maritime training by providing cadets with practical, hands-on experience in a real shipboard environment.
The vessel will complement the Academy’s Full Bridge Mission Simulator and enhance training in navigation, engine maintenance and operation, seamanship, marine safety, cargo handling, watchkeeping, emergency response, firefighting, lifesaving procedures, and shipboard communication.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at KSL Headquarters in Nairobi, BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana said the vessel’s arrival will enhance the Academy’s training capacity and strengthen its mandate to develop skilled human capital for the Blue Economy.
“The vessel will provide our students with invaluable practical experience and complement the simulation-based training offered at the Academy,” Dr. Katana said.
The signing of the contract paves the way for KSL to commence preparations for the delivery of MV MY DREAM to Mombasa.
The training vessel is expected to enhance experiential learning for students undertaking Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, and Ratings courses, enabling them to apply classroom knowledge to actual shipboard operations and develop competencies required in the maritime industry.
BMA officials present during the signing ceremony included Senior Deputy Director, Corporate Services, CPA Evans Oyieyo; Acting Senior Deputy Director, Maritime Education and Training, Maj. (Rtd.) Franklyne Toniok; and Senior Legal Officer Lisa Loy.
