In October, Maine Maritime Academy Chief Financial Officer Janet Waldron, Director of Communications Michael Dickerson, Associate Professor Aaron Kingsbury, and Associate Professor Steven Baer attended the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) Annual General Assembly (AGA25). The event was hosted by the Academy of Maritime Education and Training outside Chennai, India.

Maine Maritime Academy is one of seven founding members of IAMU, a global consortium of maritime education institutions that has grown to more than 80 members worldwide. The Academy is currently serving a two-year term representing North and South America on the IAMU International Executive Board (IEB) as head of the Finance Committee.

The IEB serves as IAMU’s primary decision-making body, deliberating on topics such as global maritime curricula, institutional policies and priorities, and the implications of emerging technologies in the maritime sector including artificial intelligence, autonomous vessels, and alternative fuels in the context of decarbonization.

During the IEB meeting, Associate Professor of Arts and Sciences Aaron Kingsbury presented an interim report on an Organizational Development Project for which he and project coordinator, Chair and Professor of Martine Transportation Ender Asyali, have received an IAMU grant. Asyali and Kingsbury, along with their collaborators from Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Maritime, propose integrating representatives from maritime industry associations as an advisory committee within the IEB framework. The team will present their final report at the next IEB meeting in Split, Croatia in April 2026.

Reflecting on the conference, Kingsbury said, “As one of MMA’s representatives at the IAMU Conference in Chennai, I had the opportunity to engage with colleagues from numerous maritime universities. Many expressed strong interest in developing collaborative initiatives with MMA, our faculty, and our students. The potential for partnership is exciting!”

Associate Professor of Marine Science Steven Baer

Following the two-day IEB meeting, the 25th IAMU Annual General Assembly was held from October 14 to 18. Nearly 150 participants from more than 40 countries, including academic and government leadership, professors, researchers, industry representatives, and students, presented analysis on a wide range of topics related to maritime education and the global maritime sector.

Associate Professor of Marine Science Steven Baer presented on the rapidly changing environmental conditions in the Arctic, with particular focus on sea ice decline. Baer discussed the implications for shipping routes, geopolitics, and environmental risks, offering recommendations for how maritime curricula might evolve to more effectively prepare students.

Describing the event, Waldron noted, “The Annual General Assembly offered a tremendous opportunity for collaboration, sharing of academic learning, and discussions regarding issues and opportunities across member institutions, with the potential for multiple international partnerships. The Academy’s faculty presentations were applauded and recognized by the IAMU International Executive Board and praised by conference attendees. AMET was a very gracious host with the Nippon Foundation’s strategic support to enable a dialogue and deep exchange on critical maritime issues confronted by all members.”

“The Annual General Assembly offered a tremendous opportunity for collaboration, sharing of academic learning, and discussions regarding issues and opportunities across member institutions, with the potential for multiple international partnerships.”
— CFO Janet Waldron

As a result of the IAMU event, the Academy’s administration is holding multiple discussions with several domestic and international institutions including Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Finland, what is now Cal Poly Maritime Academy, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Caribbean Maritime University, Jamaica, AMET University, India, and several others regarding opportunities for enhanced collaboration.

In early December, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences Professor Minna Keinänen-Toivola visited the Academy to share her expertise on icebreakers, the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort between the United States, Canada, and Finland, and the possibility of student and faculty exchange between our two colleges. During her visit, she gave a guest lecture in Professor Steven Baer’s ocean studies class, attended senior research poster sessions, and met with leadership to discuss future opportunities for cooperation.

Aaron Kingsbury, Janet Waldron, Steven Baer, and Michael Dickerson

She indicated, “Collaboration between Maine Maritime Academy and Satakunta University of Applied Sciences offers an exceptional opportunity to advance education, research, and innovation in the maritime sector. We share a strong interest in the Arctic regions, where sustainability, safety, and skills development are critical for the future.”

“Maine Maritime Academy and Satakunta University of Applied Sciences expect to sign an MOU this spring to formally recognize our cooperation.”

While international engagement is a hallmark of IAMU, AGA25 also provided an opportunity for the U.S. State Maritime Academies to connect. Cal Poly Maritime Associate Vice President and Academics Lead Dinesh Pinisetty said, “As a first-time attendee of the IAMU meeting, I was inspired by the immense potential of global collaboration to address critical maritime challenges. It also reinforced how vital it is for all U.S. State Maritime Academies to unite as one team—revitalizing our industry, driving innovation, and shaping the next generation of the maritime workforce.”

Associate Professor of Arts and Sciences Aaron Kingsbury

Massachusetts Maritime Academy Professor of International Maritime Business Paul Szwed echoed this sentiment, saying, “While sometimes it takes traveling halfway around the world to find an opportunity to talk to your neighbors, it should not have to be that way. Our US maritime academies share common missions, opportunities, and challenges. I think the last time we had a combined academic conference was prior to the pandemic. Let’s figure out ways to collaborate and collectively benefit from each other’s perspectives and experience.”

During the closing ceremony, AGA25 program editor Deepa Rajesh praised the “extraordinary exchange of ideas, knowledge, and global perspectives that truly embodies the spirit of the International Association of Maritime Universities.” She concluded by sharing a Sanskrit proverb: “Knowledge is a treasure neither stolen by thieves nor taken by kings and does not diminish but grows forever.”█

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