RIYADH — In a significant move to enhance global maritime cooperation and training, Saudi Arabia, represented by the Transport General Authority (TGA) and Bahri, has launched the NextWave Seafarers pilot project. This is in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The project was officially unveiled at the IMO headquarters in London.
The NextWave Seafarers project is designed to address the shortage of trained seafarers from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It aims to provide training for maritime academy cadets from these regions. This will foster advanced research and strengthen international partnerships in the maritime sector.
The agreement for the project was signed during the IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training, and Watchkeeping (HTW) meeting. Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the IMO, Eng. Kamal Al-Junaidi, and the Director of the IMO’s Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, Dr. Jose Matheickal, were the signatories.
With an estimated budget of SR2,625,000 ($700,000), the project will run from 2025 to 2026. It will offer hands-on training aboard Saudi vessels to maritime academy cadets from SIDS and LDCs. This will help bridge the gap in the global shipping workforce. This workforce is currently underrepresented by these countries. In its first phase, the initiative will provide 20 cadets from these regions with onboard training. This will equip them with practical skills necessary for a career in the maritime industry.
The project’s objectives also include conducting an international study. They aim to identify the barriers that prevent maritime students from SIDS and LDCs from entering the industry. Key challenges include limited access to sea-time training and difficulties in meeting service time requirements for certification.
By investing in the training of future seafarers, Saudi Arabia aims to play a central role in enhancing the capacity of the global maritime workforce. The project aligns with the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to improve international shipping cooperation. It will strengthen safety regulations and create sustainable career pathways for young cadets.
The NextWave Seafarers project underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting maritime workforce development and promoting capacity-building programs. It also reinforces the Kingdom’s role in addressing global shipping challenges and fostering inclusivity within the maritime sector.
Through this initiative, Saudi Arabia seeks to address the pressing need for skilled seafarers from underrepresented regions. In doing so, it will contribute to the sustainable growth of the global maritime industry.
