Driving Innovation and Sustainability in Maritime Technology: GMU Delegation Plays a Key Role at IAMU AGA26 Chennai, India

The discussions proved highly productive, with delegates approving the International Executive Board’s proposals covering ongoing consortium and research team projects, as well as new scholarship initiatives. The Assembly also endorsed a new round of research projects to be supported by the Nippon Foundation in the coming term. The meeting also saw the selection of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University in the Philippines as the host of IAMU AGA 2027. In addition, the financial report was approved, the budget for the upcoming fiscal period was adopted, and the newly introduced IAMU Privacy Policy was endorsed.

As in previous years, an important part of the 25th Annual General Assembly was the President’s Forum - a gathering of university rectors and deans of maritime faculties representing all continents of the world. HM The Rector of Gdynia Maritime University, Professor Adam Weintrit, played an active part in the Forum. Associate Professor Dr Adam Przybyłowski, GMU’s IAMU Contact Person, was presented with a certificate recognising his contribution to the IAMU research projects review process.

Gdynia Maritime University delegates also took part in the IAMU Conference on ‘ Technologies and Innovations towards Sustainable Maritime Practices’, presenting their scientific papers and posters. GMU doctoral candidate Weronika Ceynowa and Dr Adam Przybyłowski presented a paper entitled ‘Exploring digital solutions in maritime transport - challenges in supply chain management on training vessels.’ Captain Dariusz Jellonek, Director of the Ship Operations Department, presented a paper written in collaboration with Dr Katarzyna Skrzeszewska, entitled ‘The directions of changes in motivators for choosing a career at sea’. This was followed by a poster presentation given by Captain Paweł Kołakowski in which he presented the results of research conducted in collaboration with Dr Kamil Formela, as well as Croatian researchers Filip Bojić, Mislav Maljković and Lea Vojković, on the subject of ‘Understanding the Concept of Safe Distance in Maritime Navigation: Insights from Simulator-Based Training.’ The part of the Conference dedicated to students included presentations from GMU students from the Faculty of Navigation, Weronika Dumińska and Jakub Kulbat, entitled: ‘The Role of GIS in Oil Pollution Prevention’.

The Conference concluded with a technical tour that combined exploration of India’s cultural heritage with visits to its cutting-edge maritime training facilities. Participants toured Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where they admired ancient rock-cut temples, including the Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance. The delegation also visited AMET University’s modern Maersk Centre of Excellence, featuring Full Mission Simulators, AR/VR training labs, navigation laboratories, and engineering and electrical workshops.

The event offered lively meetings and discussions, serving as a platform for information exchange, policy approvals, networking, and strengthening collaboration among delegates from IAMU member universities. GMU’s participation in the 254th IAMU General Assembly reinforced the University’s standing as an active partner in shaping the future of global maritime education, especially in the field of breakthrough technologies and the challenges of digitalisation and sustainable development. The next AGA meeting is scheduled to take place from 7 to 10 October 2026. The host of the event will be the University of Split’s Faculty of Maritime Studies.