SUNY Maritime College and EEX Maritime Oy, of Finland, will be working together to encourage entrepreneurs and technological innovations in the maritime industry.
The two recently signed a memorandum of agreement that will allow the two to promote collaboration between start-ups, large companies and thought leaders in the maritime industry.
The maritime industry is in the midst of a period of change, as technological innovations and advancements change the way the world does business and, increasingly, the way goods transit the globe.
“Entrepreneurial start-up companies are, in the current climate, the most dynamic part of the economic landscape, and can also fuel collaboration between larger players,” said Tapio Peltonen, co-founder of EEX Maritime. “Thus, they can have an economic impact well beyond their own size.”
Though the partnership is in its infancy, it gives EEX Maritime, a start-up platform company, and SUNY Maritime the opportunity to help start-up companies access various resources, including expert faculty, proximity to New York City and the harbor, and student interns.
“The greater maritime industry can benefit from partnerships such as this one between SUNY Maritime and EEX Maritime to nurture transformative technologies for industry-wide solutions,” said Dr. Chris Clott, ABS chair of marine transportation and logistics.
The maritime sector includes offshore resources harvesting, cruises and other tourism, port operations, transportation of goods, and the marine industry, among other things. All of these operations are being transformed through increased connectivity between ships and ports, a growing need for environmental friendly fuels, and changes in ship sizes and operations.
Together, Maritime College and EEX Maritime are exploring hosting events together to encourage collaboration and build connections between entrepreneurs, innovators and existing businesses.