Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and the Water Transport Research Institute of China’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) have formally signed a cooperation agreement focused on comprehensive seafarer competency assessment and capacity development.
The new seafarer development project is the first concrete outcome of a broader cooperation consensus reached by the two organisations in May 2026. At that time, MSC and the Water Transport Research Institute agreed to explore joint initiatives in areas including green shipping and maritime talent development.
Under the newly signed agreement, the two sides will jointly research and develop a structured model for comprehensive seafarer competency assessment, supported by an intelligent digital system.
Once implemented, the system is expected to provide shipowners with more scientific and data-driven tools for evaluating, recruiting and developing qualified seafarers. It will also provide maritime professionals with clearer pathways for career planning and progression.
Liu Peng, President of the Water Transport Research Institute, said the two organisations have progressively deepened their exchanges and cooperation since 2025. Their collaboration has expanded across the integration of industry, academia, research and practical application in several maritime fields.
These areas include shipping carbon footprint accounting, the electrification of port handling equipment and supply chains for green marine fuels.
Marie-Caroline Laurent, Senior Vice President of Maritime Policy and Government Affairs at MSC, said the company intends to broaden cooperation with the Water Transport Research Institute in seafarer capacity building and vocational training.
She also outlined concrete plans to increase MSC’s recruitment of Chinese seafarers as the carrier continues to expand its global fleet.
MSC has already been strengthening its pool of Chinese maritime talent. In June 2026, the company established the China Seafarer Recruitment & Placement Centre in Ningbo through its subsidiary, MSC Ship Management (Ningbo).
The centre serves as MSC’s nationwide seafarer recruitment platform in China, connecting Chinese seafarers with the international shipping market while managing the full range of recruitment, training and crew management activities.
Ningbo Zhoushan Port is also a major node in MSC’s global network, with MSC-operated vessels making more than 800 calls at the port each year.
The agreement with the Water Transport Research Institute therefore combines MSC’s growing recruitment activities in China with a broader effort to strengthen competency assessment, professional development and digitalised crew management.
