The premises of the Latvian Maritime Academy of Riga Technical University (RTU) were solemnly opened. About 800 students of the Maritime Academy of Latvia and students of the Maritime School of the Maritime Academy have already started the new study year in modern and well-equipped premises in the RTU student campus. Continuing to improve the quality of maritime education, it is planned to further improve the study environment, including the purchase of new simulators and laboratory equipment, and to increase the popularity of maritime education.
"The amount of transported cargo is increasing every year in the world. 90% of this cargo is transported by ships. The number of ships is also increasing and the demand for highly qualified sailors is increasing," says the acting director of the RTU Latvian Maritime Academy, the important role of sailors in the Latvian and global economy Edijs Štāls.
Graduates of RTU Latvian Maritime Academy are in demand on the labor market, they are valued as highly educated, responsible and hardworking, and shipping companies see their potential employees already at the academy. In order to improve maritime education, offering wider interdisciplinary growth opportunities to the students of the Latvian Maritime Academy and the Maritime School, from this academic year both educational institutions are located in the RTU student campus in Ķīpsala. Maritime students and researchers in Ķīpsala can make full use of RTU's science and innovation ecosystem, including use of laboratories and scientific equipment, receive support for research and the development of innovative ideas, cooperate and make contacts with students, teaching staff and researchers of other faculties, and engage in various activities.
Modernization of the maritime study environment is also continued in a targeted manner. After moving to Ķīpsala, various ship simulators and established laboratories are located in the new premises. The improvement of the existing simulators and laboratory equipment and the purchase of new equipment are also planned. Thus, the Training Center of the Latvian Maritime Academy will have the opportunity not only to improve the educational process for students, but also to expand the offer of training courses and qualification improvement for seafarers.
It is also planned to move the pontoon "Kadets" to Ķīpsala - an equipped training vessel on which future sailors learn various skills - to survive at sea, manage rescue equipment and extinguish fires. This and other training vessels will be located in the Daugava River, where in the future RTU plans to develop a pilot territory for self-guided vessels with national and international partners.
Photo: RTU Latvian Maritime Academy