The Regional Maritime University (RMU) has entered into a significant partnership with Lamar Marine, a Dubai-based firm specializing in boat construction, firefighting, and oil rig services.
The collaboration was officially announced during a meeting at RMU, marking the beginning of a new era of innovation and environmental conservation in Ghana’s maritime sector.
Mr. Mohammed Sahel, the Managing Director of Lamar Marine, disclosed the company’s plan to lease a portion of beachfront land from RMU. This land will be utilized to construct a warehouse and a workshop for the production of boats from scratch.
The boats, made from lightweight and durable fiberglass, will serve the Ghanaian and West African markets, primarily for purposes such as surveillance, security, and fishing. These boats are equipped with improved safety features and enhanced fuel efficiency.
Mr. Sahel added that Lamar Marine’s commitment to cleaning up debris from the lagoon, stretching from the entry point to the university, is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts.
“This initiative will involve the construction of two to three custom-made boats designed to remove plastics and other waste from the lagoon,” he said.
The waste will be repurposed to transform the area into a tourist attraction with water sports facilities.
Mr. Sahel emphasized Lamar Marine’s commitment to environmentally friendly and non-toxic operational practices.
Dr. Baboucarr Njie, the Registrar at RMU, welcomed the partnership, stating that it would bring mutual benefits to both RMU and Lamar Marine.
The University has agreed to provide eight plots of land, each measuring 70 x 100 feet, for the construction of Lamar Marine’s facilities. Additionally, RMU will facilitate the training of Lamar Marine staff and students in boat building and maintenance.
Mr. Prashant Kamath, a member of the Board of Directors at Lamar Marine Services Limited, highlighted the advantages of incorporating speedboats into Ghana’s transportation system.
He mentioned that this mode of transport could reduce costs, travel time, and contribute to saving lives, especially in areas with limited road access.
He expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasizing its potential benefits for RMU students, as it would provide them with valuable training opportunities in boat construction and fabrication.
He assured the University’s management of strict adherence to the regulations and standards set by the Ghana Maritime Authority.
He stated that Lamar Marine was committed to conducting its activities in a manner that would not harm the water and fishing sector, drawing on their extensive experience as a boat company since 1973.
Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jnr, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of RMU, praised the initiative and pledged the University’s full support. He mentioned that the partnership would provide students with practical exposure to deepen their knowledge and understanding of marine engineering.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by RMU’s management staff, who toured the sea areas surrounding the University to familiarize themselves with the potential impact of the collaboration.
He stated that the partnership between Lamar Marine Services Limited and the University held great promise for advancing Ghana’s maritime capabilities while enriching the education and skills of future marine engineers and professionals.