None of our ancestors who discovered the world and started commerce were university graduates. Those who did not know the integral, who did not have hobbies to fill their CVs, have built ships that would completely change the course of history and dominated all the seas of the world with them.
In the last few centuries, university education has become the centre of maritime pedagogy and research studies, where knowledge and specialisation are so central. Let’s take a look at the history of maritime education and the best universities today.
Early Maritime Training and First Institutions
In early civilizations, maritime knowledge was passed down through apprenticeships and oral traditions. Seafaring cultures like the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Polynesians relied on hands-on experience, celestial navigation, and local knowledge of winds, tides, and currents. There were no formal schools.
The Vikings, for example, trained their seafarers by taking them on voyages across the North Atlantic, where they memorized landmarks and oceanic conditions. In China, during the Ming Dynasty, Admiral Zheng He’s massive fleet used nautical charts and star maps, likely training navigators through a structured mentorship.
The establishment of Escola de Sagres is a rather important keystone for the story of maritime training. Even though the ‘school’ part of the institution is problematic amongs historians, it is believed the Portuguese sailors in the 15th century were together training there.
Ecole Nationale Supérieure Maritime (ENSM) in France, founded in 1666 under King Louis XIV, holds the distinction of being the oldest dedicated merchant marine academy. It was established as the École d’Hydrographie, focusing on training merchant captains and navigators.
In Russia, St. Petersburg Naval Academy was established by Peter The Great in the early 18th century. It was created to professionalize the Russian navy, teaching subjects like navigation, shipbuilding, and artillery. The contribution of these efforts to the development of the navy cannot be denied.
Maritime Colleges In Türkiye
Istanbul Technical University
Founded in 1773, the university is one of the oldest and most important schools in Turkey. Istanbul Technical University only has STEM departments, which is known as ITU for short. In maritime, faculties of the ITU are Maritime, Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering.
Originally founded to train officers and engineers for the Ottoman Navy, ITU has evolved into a leading institution in naval architecture, marine engineering, and maritime transportation.
ITU have some state-of-the-art research facilities including a cavitation tunnel.
Yıldız Technical University
Founded in 1911, Yıldız Technical University has another important Naval Architecture Faculty in Turkey. The Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering was established under the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in 1969.
Istanbul University
Istanbul University, the oldest state university in Türkiye, is located in a lively downtown area of İstanbul and is known for its famous entrance gate.
Istanbul University, tracing its roots back to the Darülfünun, the first European-style university in the Ottoman Empire. These religious and educational institutions were established by the decree of Mehmet the Conqueror on May 30, 1453, just one day after the conquest of Istanbul.
The Institute of Marine Sciences and Management was established in 1982 and is one of the most prestigious departments in the country.
Karadeniz Technical University
Founded in 1955 in Trabzon, a city intertwined with maritime culture, Karadeniz Technical University was the first university to be established in the Republic of Türkiye outside the cities of Istanbul and Ankara and has a long-standing heritage.
After Istanbul, many engineering departments in the country were first initially taught in Trabzon. The university also constituted the academic infrastructure of many universities and studies in Türkiye.
The university’s Muammer Dereli Campus hosts the Marine Sciences, Maritime Transport and Management Engineering departments, while the Coast Campus consists of the Marine Science and Technology Institute and Coastal Recreational Facilities.
Dokuz Eylül University
Dokuz Eylül University, founded in 1982, takes its name from September 9 (Dokuz Eylül in Turkish), the day the Turkish forces liberated Izmir from Greek occupation in 1922. This date holds deep historical significance, marking the end of the Turkish War of Independence and the city’s rebirth as a vibrant economic and cultural hub. Situated in Izmir, a city with a rich maritime heritage, the university naturally developed strong ties to the sea.
Izmir’s strategic location on the Aegean coast has made it a key player in Turkey’s maritime industry, serving as a major port city for centuries. Dokuz Eylül University capitalizes on this setting through its prestigious maritime programs, particularly within the Maritime Faculty and the Graduate School of Marine Sciences and Technology.
Maritime Colleges in Europe
World Maritime University
Located in Malmö, WMU was founded in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The university offers postgraduate programs focusing on maritime affairs, aiming to enhance the expertise of professionals in the maritime sector globally.
Unlike traditional maritime universities, WMU is dedicated to high-level maritime policy, governance, and sustainable development, training future maritime leaders, regulators, and industry professionals from around the world.
Working closely with the IMO, the UN, and international maritime agencies, the university plays a significant role in formulating international marine legislation. WMU promotes a truly global viewpoint on shipping, port management, and maritime law because of its varied student body, which represents more than 170 nations.
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Established in Trondheim, the university is one of Europe’s premier institutions for engineering and technology, with a strong maritime focus.
NTNU is at the forefront of autonomous ship technology, sustainable shipping solutions, and Arctic marine operations, reflecting Norway’s leadership in the global maritime industry.
As with other public universities in Norway, there’s no tuition fee for domestic and international students.
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
The Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands is one of the world’s leading engineering institutions, renowned for its Maritime and Transport Technology (MTT) specialization within the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime, and Materials Engineering (3mE). The university firmly established itself as a premier university of technology worldwide.
University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is one of the world’s leading institutions for maritime engineering, offering cutting-edge education through its Department of Maritime Engineering and Ship Science within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
One of the university’s standout programs is its Yacht and Small Craft Design BEng/MEng, a globally respected course focusing on hydrodynamics, structural design, and performance optimization for high-performance yachts, commercial vessels, and leisure boats. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in America’s Cup teams as well as in superyacht design, making Southampton a premier destination for aspiring naval architects with a passion for yacht innovation.
University of Lisbon
The University of Lisbon (Universidade de Lisboa—ULisboa) is Portugal’s largest and most prestigious university. Through its Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) and School of Marine Sciences, it offers a strong maritime focus.
With Portugal’s extensive Atlantic coastline and strong maritime economy, the university is a key center for maritime education in Southern Europe.
University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde, located in Glasgow, Scotland, is home to one of the world’s leading Naval Architecture, Ocean, and Marine Engineering (NAOME) departments.
Maritime Colleges in Asia
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Founded in 1896, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious universities, known for its excellence in engineering, technology, and applied sciences. Often referred to as the MIT of the East, SJTU consistently ranks among the top universities in Asia and globally, particularly in engineering and naval architecture.
SJTU’s School of Naval Architecture, Ocean, and Civil Engineering (NAOCE) is one of the world’s leading centers for shipbuilding, offshore engineering, and maritime technology. The Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering program is ranked among the top 5 globally.
Harbin Engineering University
Established in 1953, Harbin Engineering University is one of China’s leading institutions for engineering and applied sciences, with a particular emphasis on maritime and naval engineering.
Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology stands out as a top-tier institution in Japan, dedicated to shaping the future of maritime education in Japan.
Japan is one of thelargest producers of merchant vessels worldwide, also by the demand of the Japanese merchant fleet, one of the largest in the world.
Korea Maritime and Ocean University
Located in Busan, South Korea, the Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU) is a globally recognized university famous for its proficiency in ocean science, engineering, and maritime education.
Since its establishment in 1945, KMOU has grown into a hub for maritime research and innovation, helping to produce skilled labourers for the global shipping, ocean engineering, and logistics sectors.
Ocean University of China
Founded in 1924, Ocean University of China (OUC) is one of China’s foremost universities specializing in marine science, oceanography, and maritime engineering. Located in Qingdao, a prominent port city on the eastern coast of China, OUC has long been at the forefront of research and education in the maritime sectors.
Indian Maritime University
The Indian Maritime University (IMU) has been regarded as the most esteemed educational and training facility for sailors and maritime professionals in India since it was established in 2008. IMU, main office in Chennai, is essential to the development of skilled laborers capable of meeting the demands of the global shipping, logistics, and maritime sectors.
Tolani Maritime Institute
Located in Pune, India, the university is one of India’s most well-known merchant navy colleges. The major departments of the university are naval architecture, nautical sciences, marine engineering and sea trainings.
National University of Singapore
Founded in 1905, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore’s oldest and most prestigious university and one of the leading universities in Asia.
Singapore’s location at the crossroads of global maritime trade has naturally influenced NUS’s maritime education, making it a pivotal player in shaping the future of the industry. NUS has earned a strong reputation in maritime engineering, shipping management, and oceanography.
Maritime Colleges in the Americas
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA), located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, was founded in 1891 and is one of the best marine academies in the country. The academy is well-known for producing professionals who are prepared for leadership positions in the marine industry and allied fields through its demanding academic programs and orderly cadet culture.
State University of New York Maritime College
One of the best marine education, training, and research institutions in the United States is the State University of New York Maritime College (SUNY Maritime College), located in the Bronx, New York. The college was established in 1874 and has a long history of producing highly skilled professionals for the transportation and maritime industries. SUNY Maritime College offers a range of degrees in marine engineering, navigation and logistics.
United States Merchant Marine Academy
Founded in 1943, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) is a renowned federal service academy that has been at the forefront of maritime education in the U.S. It offers a Bachelor of Science degree with various marine-related majors, and all graduates also earn a U.S. Coast Guard license.
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), established in 1925 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, is one of Canada’s leading institutions of higher education, with a distinct focus on marine and maritime studies.
Originally founded to honour those who lost their lives in the First World War, Memorial University has since grown into a world-class institution renowned for its focus on oceanography, maritime studies, and marine engineering.
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
The Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), established in 1920, is one of Brazil’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education. Located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s principal maritime hub and a key port city, UFRJ has long played a vital role in advancing the country’s maritime and oceanic industries.
Maritime Colleges in Africa
Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), established in 1972 under the umbrella of the Arab League, is one of the most prestigious institutions in the Arab world for maritime education and training. Based in Alexandria, Egypt—one of the most important maritime cities in the Mediterranean.
University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town (UCT), established in 1829, is the oldest university in South Africa and one of the most prestigious in Africa. It is globally recognized for its excellence in research and its leadership in various fields, including marine studies and maritime transport.
The university’s Marine Research Institute (MRI) and its focus on sustainability in maritime transport provide students with the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research on green shipping technologies, port emissions, and maritime pollution control.
Maritime Colleges in Oceania
University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales (UNSW), founded in 1949, is one of Australia’s leading universities, renowned for its excellence in research and education across a wide range of disciplines.
Located in Sydney, a major global port city, the university’s programs in maritime transport, marine engineering, and naval architecture.
University of Tasmania
The University of Tasmania (UTAS), founded in 1890, is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected universities. Located in Hobart, Tasmania, a historic maritime hub with a rich heritage tied to the sea, UTAS is ideally situated to offer world-class education and research in maritime studies.
Hobart’s Port of Tasmania is a key resource for practical training and real-world maritime applications, enhancing UTAS’s standing in the field of maritime education.
