Maersk and Kenya Ports Authority have launched a comprehensive maritime training programme to develop the local maritime sector and support the blue economy.
Mombasa Country Governor, Adbulswamad Shariff Nassir and representatives from the Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi, Bandari Maritime Academy, Shippers Council of Eastern Africa and Kenya Ships Agents Association attended the launch event last week.
According to Maersk the programme will provide fully funded, 12-month sea-time training opportunities aboard the line’s vessels for 10 Kenyan cadets, creating an opportunity to overcome significant challenges regarding practical sea-time experience for graduates.
Maersk Kenya CFO and acting managing director, Oliver Bunting, said the shipping line was dedicated to creating lasting value that extended beyond its commercial operations.
“This 12-month programme covers the most essential part of the process for a cadet to embark on a professional career as a seafarer,” Bunting said.
“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.”
Kenya Ports Authority welcomed the training opportunity for cadets saying it would help to build capacity of local seafarers.
Managing director Captain William Ruto said it had been difficult for seafarers to gain critical sea time training due to a lack of opportunities aboard local vessels.
“We, as the port operator, are delighted with this new initiative that will benefit our young seafarers 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 rigorous screening process conducted by Maersk’s global fleet team, will receive comprehensive training that meets international standards. This will position them for employment opportunities within Maersk and the wider maritime industry.
During the programme, the cadets will have the opportunity to provide constructive feedback to their respective educational institutes, which will benefit subsequent batches of students in Kenya.
Maersk said the initiative demonstrated the line’s “significant long-term commitment” to Kenya and its focus on creating sustainable value through strategic public-private partnerships.
