Walvis Bay:The University of Namibia (UNAM) plans to establish a new School of Maritime Science and Engineering at its Walvis Bay campus, focusing on the skills needed in the maritime, green hydrogen, and oil and gas sectors.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the UNAM Manager of Public Relations and Media Operations, Simon Namesho, stated that a site for the campus has been identified, and the university is awaiting formal confirmation of the land from the municipality, which is expected this week.

The School of Maritime Science and Engineering will consist of three departments: Navigation, Marine Engineering, and Safety, Health and Environment. Two degree programmes, a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Navigation and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (Honours), have already been approved by the UNAM Senate. These five-year programmes, which include a year at sea, aim to prepare graduates in accordance with International Maritime Organisation Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) standards.

UNAM also intends to offer a programme in Manufacturing Engineering, with a specialisation in welding, and may introduce additional programmes in logistics and other fields as the campus grows. These programmes are designed to address the demand for skills in green hydrogen, offshore oil and gas, and port and shipping operations, which are currently scarce locally.

The university is collaborating with the Belgian maritime and hydrogen technology group CMB.TECH to finance and build the campus. The project has also received early industry backing, including a N$10 million pledge from Custos Energy and the Knowledge Katti Foundation. Additionally, UNAM has partnered with Antwerp Maritime Academy in Belgium on curriculum development, simulator training, instructor development, and joint research.

CMB.TECH serves as the infrastructure partner, while Belgium's development agency, ENABEL, supports the training of technicians and instructors. UNAM is also exploring practical training opportunities with NamPower, shipping, and engineering companies.

Construction and opening dates for the campus will be announced once the land is confirmed and the design is completed. This initiative aims to provide local training opportunities for young people from the Erongo Region and across Namibia, reducing the need for them to leave the region for educational purposes.