Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) is gradually adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies into seafarer education, operational safety and blue economy capabilities.

The maritime institution is actively adopting AI, virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) simulations, and digital platforms to modernize seafarer training and align with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards.

The adaptation of the modern digital and advanced maritime technologies, is designed to optimize the country’s vast blue economy sector at a time the industry is facing a rapidly changing maritime landscape.

The blue economy sector also known as the sustainable ocean-based economy encompasses fisheries, maritime biotechnology, aquaculture, coastal tourism, port infrastructure, marine transport and logistics.

The BMA has in recent months secured training and sea-time commitments with global shipping lines and industry partners to boost seafarer development and launched a recruitment drive to bring the next generation of youth to the sea.

The BMA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CMA CGM Shipping and Logistics Company to facilitate placement opportunities for its cadets and strengthen the link between maritime training and industry employment.

The agreement was signed by BMA CCEO, Dr. Eric Katana and CMA CGM Kenyan Cluster Managing Director Benjamin Coston in the presence of the Ambassador of France to Kenya, H.E. Wadid Benaabou.

Dr. Katana said the meeting with the French envoy focused on strengthening partnerships in various areas including maritime training, onboard training, capacity building, training of trainers and job opportunities for cadets and seafarers.

Structured onboard training seeks to bridge a critical gap between pre-sea training and employment opportunities in both domestic and global shipping industry.

Strategically located on a scenic oceanfront, in the vibrant port city of Mombasa, the institution is Kenya’s premier center for maritime education and training.

BMA was officially established in 2018, after transforming from Bandari College, which was originally founded and commissioned in1980, by the Kenya Ports Authority.

BMA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Eric Katana, says they are actively integrating AI and modern digital tools, to elevate seafarer training, operational safety and blue economy capabilities.

“We are upgrading seafarer education and training standards, by integrating modern technologies and digitization into our programmes,” he said.

Dr. Katana says the maritime education training centre offers marine engineering, nautical science, seafarers, standards of training, certification, and watchkeeping safety and auxiliary training courses, required for working aboard marine vessels.

He says they are investing in advanced technologies, modernizing maritime education and vocational training facilities to address the growing demand for qualified young talent in the shipping industry.

Maritime stakeholders contend that seafarers are the ‘backbone of global maritime trade’ and investing in their education is a necessity noting that Mombasa and Lamu seaports provide significant access to global maritime trade routes.

The BMA CEO says the maritime institution is focusing on technological investments and modernization of its facilities such as advanced Soldamatic Welding simulators, navigation labs, engineering workshops and full mission bridge and gantry cargo crane simulators.

“We are seized on innovation, technology and skills development to strengthen the country’s maritime workforce,” he said, adding that they are continuously addressing skills gaps, to build a workforce capable of supporting the growth of the blue economy sector.

Dr. Katana says the Institution is committed to building a ‘highly skilled and competitive maritime workforce’ by making a long-term investment in maritime education.

The CEO contends that simulation training is emerging as an indispensable tool for developing the skills needed to navigate modern maritime challenges.

He says the maritime training centre, is upgrading its training facilities in a bid to equip trainees with ‘skills which meet global maritime standards and labour market demands’.

Dr. Katana said the maritime institution has developed several training programs and specialized fields to bridge the country’s maritime skills gap and empower the young generation.

He says the institution has commissioned a state-of-the-art ‘Soldamatic Welding Simulator’, leveraging Augmented Reality (AR) technology to enhance hands-on learning, strengthen technical skills and prepare cadets for the demands of the maritime industry.

The simulator uses Augmented Reality (AR) technology to create a realistic welding environment, allowing trainees to practice welding techniques using specialized tools without actual metal, welding gas or other consumables.

He said the new modern equipment allows trainees to immerse in simulation environments in which they can practice in the most realistic way without limitations, risk-free, and without additional costs, until they acquire the abilities and skills necessary to move to a real work environment.

“The investment reinforces our commitment to modern training technologies that promote safety, improve skills development and equip our graduates to seize maritime career opportunities,” he said, adding that seafarers must continually update their skills as technology, regulations, and operational practices change.

He stressed that quality training was an essential tool in preparing maritime professionals in dealing with challenges faced in the sector which spans environmental, security, technological, and operational sectors.

Soldamatic is the world’s first augmented reality welding simulator which allows industrial trainees to practice welding safely using real welding tools-such as actual torches, helmets, and workpieces-while overlaying computer-generated graphics to simulate real weld pools, sparks, and effects.

It provides a safe, controlled and interactive learning environment where cadets develop essential skills before handling actual welding equipment in a real work environment.

“The Soldamatic Welding Simulator marks an important step in strengthening practical training at Bandari Maritime Academy. It allows our cadets to practice welding techniques, understand the correct procedures and build confidence before undertaking actual welding tasks,’’ he said.

Dr. Katana said as simulators become ‘training game-changers’ to meet industry manpower needs, the maritime college is also opening a state-of-the-art full mission bridge and gantry cargo crane simulators to improve sailor’s navigation, safety and decision making.

The advanced full bridge mission simulator is a core facility for training deck officers, nautical science students, and maritime professionals fostering security, economic growth and opportunities within the maritime domain.

“With the acquisition of contemporary simulators our cadets will be exposed to the quality of training obtainable in advanced maritime institutions of learning,” he said.

According to him the state-of-the-art simulators possess remarkable capacities to launch the country’s local maritime sector into ‘new frontiers of infinite possibilities’.

He said cadets have recently started receiving training on the professional use of AI to enhance their academic performance.

Dr. Katana says collaborative strategy among the government, port operators, and industry players is essential to accelerate AI-driven digital transformation in the maritime sector.

The session, led by the Google Gemini team, introduced the cadets to the potential of AI tools, with a particular focus on Google’s Gemini platform.

The training focused on effective prompt engineering techniques, guiding cadets from basic prompts to improved and structured prompts to achieve accurate, relevant and high-quality results.

“Additionally, the cadets were guided on AI ethics and responsible use with emphasis on the use of AI tools primarily for drafting and research aid while highlighting the importance of human verification to ensure accuracy, factual integrity and appropriate application of AI-generated information,” he said.

He said they have met with global shipping partners to enhance the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) to empower the trainees with globally competitive maritime skills and enhance coordination frameworks that unlock international seafaring opportunities.

Dr. Katana said integrating AI and other digital tools into maritime studies serves as a powerful catalyst for modern learning, transforming how students understand complex concepts and approach coursework.

He says in today’s shifting technological landscape AI is increasingly being lauded as a strategic tool for improving maritime training and security.

Dr. Katana noted that AI-driven solutions are transforming maritime industries by enhancing operational efficiency, improving safety at sea, and equipping future maritime professionals with skills that meet evolving global industry demands.

“By using AI as an intelligent study companion, students can quickly summarize technical materials, develop research outlines and gain clarity on challenging theoretical topics,” he said.

This personalized learning environment enables students to address knowledge gaps independently, strengthen their critical thinking skills and manage their study schedules more efficiently.

“Furthermore, developing proficiency in AI applications equips cadets with the digital skills required in today’s increasingly automated shipping and port operations,” he said, adding that this allows them to use emerging technologies and contribute effectively to the evolving global maritime industry.

Dr. Katana announced that the maritime academy is awaiting to receive a training ship donated by the Republic of South Korea to provide hands-on seaboard and sea-time training for cadets and seafarers underscoring the strong cooperation between Kenya and South Korea in maritime education, training and capacity development.

He said the training ship will facilitate onboard training programmes which are designed to enhance employability of seafarers.

“We remain committed to investing in technology that enhances the quality of training and equips our cadets with the skills required in the maritime industry” he said.

The BMA CEO said by embracing modern training solutions the maritime institution is preparing its graduates for the emerging opportunities in the blue economy sector locally and internationally.

By Hussein Abdullahi