Maersk and Kenya Ports Authority on February 27 launched a comprehensive maritime training program to provide fully funded, 12-month sea-time training opportunities aboard Maersk vessels for 10 Kenyan cadets.
This strategic investment creates an opportunity to overcome significant challenges faced in the maritime sector around practical sea-time experience for graduating cadets.
Oliver Bunting, CFO & Ag Managing Director at Maersk Kenya, said: “At Maersk, we are dedicated to creating lasting value that extends beyond our commercial operations. This 12-month program covers the most essential part of the process for a cadet to embark on a professional career as a seafarer.
“These cadets represent Kenya’s maritime ambitions, and we’re backing their dreams with real-world experience on the ships of one of the world’s largest ocean networks. This isn’t just about training – it’s about transforming lives, reshaping the future of Kenya’s maritime sector.”
This program builds upon the strong bilateral relationship between Kenya and Denmark, reinforced by a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding, and aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals under human resource development whereby Maersk remains committed to train and upskill the existing workforce and youth development by making world-class industry knowledge available to Kenyans.
Further, it is noteworthy that the six out of the ten cadets are females strengthening the diversity, equity and inclusion drive that is one of the cornerstones for Maersk’s social goals.
Kenya Ports Authority has lauded the noble initiative by Maersk, to extend the training opportunity and build capacity of local seafarers in the country.
Managing Director Captain William Ruto noted that it has been difficult for seafarers to gain critical sea time training due to a challenge of local vessels to offer such training.
“We as the port operator are delighted with this new initiative that will benefit our young seafarer and at the same time promote the human capital which is critical for the development of the shipping and maritime sector in our country.”
The cadets, selected through a screening process conducted by Maersk’s global fleet team, will receive comprehensive training that meets international standards, positioning them for employment opportunities within Maersk and the wider maritime industry.
The appointment of the cadets will be carried out after all necessary documentation is completed. During the program, the cadets will have the opportunity to provide constructive feedback to their respective educational institutes, benefiting subsequent batches of students in Kenya.
Photo credit: Maersk
