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Announcement: Cadets Recruitment 2026.
20th Congregation Ceremony of the Regional Maritime University
20th Congregation Ceremony of the Regional Maritime University
After months and years of dedication and hard work, the 20th Congregation Ceremony of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) was successfully held on Saturday, 27th June 2026. The ceremony witnessed an impressive turnout of graduating cadets, their families, distinguished guests, and members of the maritime community.
The event featured inspiring addresses from the Acting Vice-Chancellor, the Chancellor, and Professor Yin Ming, Vice President of Shanghai Maritime University. Their speeches highlighted the importance of maritime education, international collaboration, and the role of graduates in advancing the global shipping industry.
A total of 391 students graduated, comprising:
81 Master's degree recipients
228 Bachelor's degree recipients
82 Diploma recipients
Among the 391 graduates, 25 cadets have been shortlisted by MMCS and are committed to joining Hafnia. MMCS will continue to support and prepare these cadets as they progress towards their embarkation.
In recognition of academic excellence, Hafnia sponsored three prestigious awards during this year's congregation ceremony. Each recipient received a cash prize of USD 500, a Hafnia Certificate of Excellence, and the opportunity to commence a career with Hafnia.
The award recipients were:
Mr. Abayateye Desmond - Award: Best in Navigation (BSc Nautical Science)
Ms. Akpakpli Marcellina Awovi - Award: Best in Marine Electrical and Electronic Systems III (BSc Marine Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
Ms. Agyeman Dorothy Nana Akua Darkua - Award: Best in Marine Engineering (BSc Marine Engineering)
The continued partnership between MMCS, Hafnia, and the Regional Maritime University reflects a shared commitment to developing highly skilled maritime professionals and creating meaningful career opportunities for the next generation of seafarers.
Best Graduating Student in Navigation
Best Graduating Student in Navigation
Best Graduating Student in Marine Electrical & Electronic Systems
Best Graduating Student in Marine Electrical & Electronic Systems
Best Graduating Student in Marine Engineering
Best Graduating Student in Marine Engineering
Visit by Mikkel Biosen (VP TECOS fleet) - 18th-28th June 2025
Visit by Mikkel Biosen (VP TECOS fleet) - 18th-28th June 2025
As part of the annual visits to Ghana by a representative from Hafnia, Mikkel visited Ghana this year. Meetings covered implementation issues concerning the MOU of Hafnia with RMU and also discussions with the Maritime Administration on training, education and certification of seafarers. He attended the graduation ceremony where he awarded prizes to students who had been selected for Hafnia Awards.
One peculiar activity for this tour to Ghana, was his special invitation by Bernhard Schulte to serve as a panel member for a conference organized by BSM as part of the inauguration of the IMEC/BSM Regional Maritime Training Centre in Ghana.
One peculiar activity for this tour to Ghana, was his special invitation by Bernhard Schulte to serve as a panel member for a conference organized by BSM as part of the inauguration of the IMEC/BSM Regional Maritime Training Centre in Ghana.
Conference at Labadi Beach Hotel
Conference at Labadi Beach Hotel
As part of the BSM inauguration of the regional centre, a conference was organized. In attendance were the chairman of the board of the Schulte Group, the CEO of BSM, a shareholder of BSM, Christoph Schulte and a cross section of the shipping and maritime industry stakeholders from Africa and Europe.
Mikkel served as a panelist on the topic “He who does not know one thing, knows another: Inclusive Cognitive Diversity is the driving Force Behind Innovation. This topic intended to drive home that the driving force behind innovation is not just gender diversity but cognitive diversity. That everyone has a contribution to make, so how do we ensure that we include a diverse range of people, viewpoints and expertise and harness that to innovate for the future.
Inauguration of the IMEC/BSM Maritime Training School
Inauguration of the IMEC/BSM Maritime Training School
There was an impressive turnout by BSM cadets and an inspection of guard by the Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), acting for the Minister of Transport for Ghana. The centre was declared opened by the Minister of Transport for Sierra Leone who is the current Chancellor of the Regional Maritime University.
Meeting with the Director General Of GMA
Meeting with the Director General Of GMA
There was a meeting with the Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) with the Deputy DG in attendance. Points to note:
The DG spoke about Ghana’s interest in leveraging exportation of seafarers as a strategy for employment and foreign inflows. Hence appreciated the role of Hafnia in this.
Mikkel raised the issue of Ghana’s Certification System and the time spent by cadets at school for their OOW, while other jurisdictions did not spend that much time. The DG promised to take a holistic look into the system. He suggested that they may fall on Hafnia for inputs when the need arises.
Mikkel floated the idea of the GMA participating in the Crew Conference in Split in October and DG obliged to the offer.
Lunch with Director General Of GMA
Lunch with Director General Of GMA
The DG invited Mikkel for a lunch. Here they had the opportunity to relax, fraternize and find new pathways to collaborate for their mutual benefit.
Courtesy call on the AG. VC of RMU
Courtesy call on the AG. VC of RMU
Mikkel met the Ag VC and Management of RMU. The highlights of meeting were as follows:
Implementation of MOU:
Implementation of MOU:
Over 40 cadets already employed since the signing of MOU in 2023.
A lecturer has had a tour on one of Hafnia vessels as supernumerary.
2 annual lectures conducted and a third coming off in October 2025.
Seagull online facility with 80 topics donated to the university to address training gaps identified with the employed cadets. The feedback was that this E-learning package was serving the purpose.
Seagull online facility with 80 topics donated to the university to address training gaps identified with the employed cadets. The feedback was that this E-learning package was serving the purpose.
Planned donation of Scanjet and PV valve to the university. This was to be in Ghana by August 2025.
Ag VC’s reaction:
Ag VC’s reaction:
The Ag VC thanked Hafnia for the immense contribution to the university within this short period and requested the support of Hafnia to facilitate the procurement of bridge and engine room simulators for the University.
He also stated that this year, they have a larger number of female cadets and hopes that Hafnia will increase the quota of intake.
Meeting with Management of Marlin Marine
Meeting with Management of Marlin Marine
Mikkel paid a call to the office of Marlin Marine and Crewing Services (MMCS). Management highlighted that there has been a high level of interest shown by cadets this year hence, quite a large number of cadets were interviewed and currently there are over 100 on database. Hence, the need for an increase in the intake of cadets this year by Hafnia.
Currently MMCS also has cadets from Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi, Kenya, Morocco and Ethiopia.
He was informed that MMCS was looking out for other opportunities for these cadets however, in view of the interest shown by cadets for Hafnia there will be the need for more openings this year.
Selection of best graduating students for HAFNIA award
Selection of best graduating students for HAFNIA award
The University, based on criteria defined by Hafnia, independently shortlisted a number of students who excelled in Navigation, Marine Engineering Systems and Marine Electrical and Electronic Systems.
Two cadets each in the above subject areas were finally shortlisted and invited to meet Mikkel. Through extensive discussions with these cadets, the best graduating student in the following courses were selected as follows.
Sanyang, Kasim: Navigation
Jallow, Cherno S.: Marine engineering
Addo, Jonathan Nii Quarshi: Marine Electrical and Electronic Systems
The above cadets were recognized at the graduation ceremony with prize of a certificate of award, $500 each and employment with Hafnia.
The quality of the interaction with the shortlisted students was so high that they were promised that the other 3, who could not be given awards, could be considered for employment in Hafnia.
19th Congregation Ceremony of the Regional Maritime University
19th Congregation Ceremony of the Regional Maritime University
The 19th Congregation of the Regional Maritime University was organized on Saturday 28th June 2025. There was an impressive turnout of the cadets. This was followed with speeches by the Ag VC, Chancellor and Representative of the Minister, Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority.
Central to this function was the admission of degrees, award of diplomas and prizes. Present were the Board of Governors, being the Ministers of Transport from the member countries of RMU. 372 students graduated which was made of 66 receiving Masters degrees, 231 bachelors and 75 diplomas.
The total number of cadets (NS, ME and EE) were 208.
Best Graduating Student in Navigation
Best Graduating Student in Navigation
Best Graduating Student in Marine Engineering
Best Graduating Student in Marine Engineering
Best Graduating Student in Marine Electrical & Electronic Systems
Best Graduating Student in Marine Electrical & Electronic Systems
Visit to Hafnia Mikala
Visit to Hafnia Mikala
Management Member of MMCS, Ing. Augustus Addy-Lamptey and some cadets paid a working visit to the Mt Hafnia Mikala.
The team was welcomes aboard the Mt Hafnia Mikala by it's Captain, Chief Officer and other officers and taken on a tour of the vessel.
Hafnia and MMCS graces RMU’s 2023 Graduation
Hafnia and MMCS graces RMU’s 2023 Graduation
The Regional Maritime University, internationally accredited and at the forefront of maritime training in West and Central Africa, held its 65th Anniversary and 17th Congregation on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at the University campus.
After months and years of hard work, 444 graduands were awarded various degrees and diplomas. The graduands, drawn from various countries including the five-founding countries of the University, shared their joy with various family members, friends and community who gathered at the ceremony grounds.
Of the 444 graduands, 19 have been shortlisted by MMCS and are committed to Hafnia. MMCS will continue their preparations towards embarkation.
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Present at the graduation were Hon. Jewel Cianeh Taylor as the Guest of Honor (Vice President of Liberia); Professor Pierre Gomez as the Special Guest of Honor (Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology Republic of the Gambia); Hon. Ebrima Sillah, (Chancellor and Chairman of Board of Governors & Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, republic of the Gambia); Honorable members of the RMU Board of Governors (Hon. Jean Ernest Massena Ngalle Bihehe- Republic of Cameroon; Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah – Republic of Ghana; Hon. Lenn Eugene Nagbe- Republic of Liberia; Amb. Alhaji Fanday Turay- Republic of Sierra Leone; Dr. Paul Adalikwu- Secretary General, MOWCA and Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jnr. – Ag. Vice Chancellor) and other relevant heads of each Region; Hafnia, MMCS and other invited guest from other companies.
Hafnia also elected to sponsor five (5) awards at this year’s graduation. four (4) students and one (1) lecturer were selected for various commendations. The awardees and respective prizes were:
1. Mr. Adjetey Nathaniel Adjei - Best in Navigation V (BSc NS)
Cash ($500 USD), Hafnia Certificate of Excellence, Hafnia Pin and opportunity to join with Hafnia
2. Mr. Fynn Emmanuel Annan - Best in Naval Architecture IV (Ship Design and Acquisition) (BSc ME)
Cash ($500 USD), Hafnia Certificate of Excellence, Hafnia Pin and opportunity to join with Hafnia
3. Mr. Aku Wilson Mawili Kodzo - Best in Marine Electrical and Electronic Systems III (BSc MEE)
Cash ($500 USD), Hafnia Certificate of Excellence, Hafnia Pin and opportunity to join with Hafnia
4. Nana Kwame Addo - Most improved final year student (BSc MEE)
Cash ($500 USD), Hafnia Certificate of Excellence, Hafnia Pin and opportunity to join with Hafnia
5. Dr. Isaac Animah - Best Lecturer (MR Dept.)
Cash ($500 USD), Hafnia Certificate of Excellence, Hafnia Pin and opportunity to sail on Hafnia vessel
Management of MMCS assisted Capt Maria in presenting the awards amidst applause, loud cheers and roars from all gathered.
Capt. Maria of Hafnia visits Ghana
Capt. Maria of Hafnia visits Ghana
Capt. Maria Kristina Javellana, General Manager and Head of Fleet at Hafnia Middle East DMCC, paid a working visit to Ghana from July 26 to 30, 2023.
This much anticipated trip had a full itinerary planned by Hafnia’s sole authorized agent for Ghana, West and Central Africa sub-Region – Marlin Marine & Crewing Services Ltd (MMCS). Maria was met on arrival by Martin Bruce, Business Development Director of MMCs.
The full itinerary of the trip included meetings with MMCS Staff, Management and Board of the Regional Maritime University (RMU), Cadets shortlisted to soon board Hafnia vessels and Hafnia awardees for the RMU Graduation.
Capt. Maria’s visit to RMU was multi-prong. First off, she had a meeting with the Management of the Regional Maritime University. Discussions included strengthening the MoU between Hafnia and RMU.
The meeting was followed by a tour of the University. Capt Maria then met candidates shortlisted for Hafnia-sponsored awards at the RMU Graduation. In this first year of Hafnia’s relationship with RMU, Hafnia is sponsoring five (5) awards. The candidates, four (4) students and one (1) lecturer, were shortlisted with the assistance of MMCS. The day was nicely rounded by attending the Fundraising Dinner organized by the Board of RMU.
The 2nd Batch of all female cadets, shortlisted and being prepared to board Hafnia vessels, were elated to meet with Capt Maria. Maria shared her marine journey, challenges and joys with the cadets. Little did the cadets know Capt Maria had a pleasant surprise for all of them. She awarded all the cadets with a Hafnia pin.
Capt. Maria’s stay in Ghana was not all work, it was beautifully interspersed with experiencing Ghana through food, fashion, and entertainment.
MMCS Cadets board various vessels
MMCS Cadets board various vessels
Marlin Marine & Crewing Services, working for and on behalf of Hafnia, has recruited 16 cadets to work aboard various fleets. The all female crew began boarding in April 2023 and will continue to serve for 6 months.
This rounds up the first recruitment by MMCS, with the second phase beginning shortly.
Hafnia signs MoU with Regional Maritime University
Hafnia signs MoU with Regional Maritime University
As part of strategies to offer maritime graduates a leveraging opportunity in the working industry, Hafnia Shipping has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Regional Maritime University to recruit its graduates.
During the signing ceremony in Accra, the Vice President of Hafnia Shipping – owners of over 115 Chemical and Product Tankers - Mikkel Boesen, indicated that this move of corporate strategy is to establish better relations with the African continent and support the growth of its seafarers.
“In 2023, 3 vessels have been nominated to become 'Hafnia DEI Culture Lab Vessels'. These vessels are set to be operated with a crew of at least 50% women of the total crew. RMU will play a significant role in this project, as 16 female cadets from RMU will already be onboard Hafnia vessels this coming spring, with 7 more team members joining us in the Summer,” .
Hafnia visits Ghana
Hafnia visits Ghana
MMCS, Hafnia local representative coordinated a visit by the Vice President of Hafnia to the Regional Maritime University. The Vice President was welcomed to the University with a honorary parade, thereafter an official meeting with the University authorities and students.
A forum was arranged where introduction / interaction between the students and the Vice President was done. Hafnia has a clear vision to grow their pool of seafarers by engaging and signing on students/cadets from the University upon completion of their courses, with particular focus on Lady seafarers and to be extended to the Male Seafarers in the near future.
A memorandum of understanding is currently being drafted to this effect between Hafnia and Regional Maritime University to the mutual benefit of both parties.
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