11-Country Maritime Talent Receive Smart, Eco-Friendly Maritime Operations Training in Busan

[Financial News] Young maritime talent from 11 countries, including Mexico, Colombia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, have gathered in Busan to receive integrated practical training in smart and eco-friendly maritime operations.
The Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology (KIMFT) announced on the 8th that it had recently launched a three-month 2026 Smart Integrated International Onboard Training Program to develop maritime talent from developing countries into future maritime professionals.
The program is an official development assistance (ODA) project of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF). It uses Korea’s advanced maritime education infrastructure and training vessels to provide maritime university students from developing countries with systematic shore-based education and onboard training opportunities. Since its initial introduction in 2021, it has established itself as a leading international education platform that helps address the global imbalance in the supply and demand of maritime officers and strengthens maritime cooperation networks among countries.
Starting this year, the existing onboard-training-focused course has been completely reorganized as the 2026 Smart Integrated International Onboard Training Program to keep pace with paradigm shifts in the future shipping industry. The curriculum has been upgraded into an integrated program covering smart and eco-friendly vessel technologies, going beyond the simple transfer of navigation skills.
For about three months, the trainees will complete integrated training in future maritime technologies at KIMFT and aboard the training vessel Hanmiru. Along with basic safety education, the program includes digital navigation, eco-friendly alternative fuels and simulation exercises. The trainees will also visit advanced industrial sites, including the Autonomous Vessel Demonstration Center and the Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI), and take part in Korean cultural programs such as basic Korean-language lessons and hanbok experiences.
Yoon Hyunsoo, president of KIMFT, said, "This program is a meaningful journey to nurture future maritime leaders who will lead the rapidly changing smart and eco-friendly shipping environment, going beyond the simple transfer of technical skills. I hope all the trainees will follow safety rules and practice mutual respect, growing into key talent who will make their mark on the global stage."
[email protected] Byun Ok-hwan Reporter