Strong Contribution to ITU’s and Türkiye’s Maritime and Logistics Vision through the BRIDGE-IAB Project

Istanbul Technical University (ITU) is participating in the project titled “Building Relationships: Innovation and Development for Global Excellence via Industrial Advisory Board (BRIDGE-IAB),” supported by the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU). This project, backed by the Nippon Foundation, is being carried out within the scope of IAMU’s Institutional Development Projects for the 2025–2026 term.

The project is coordinated by Prof. Dr. Ender Asyalı from Maine Maritime Academy, while the implementation at ITU’s Maritime Faculty will be led by Dean Prof. Dr. Özcan Arslan and Asst. Prof. Dr. Esma Uflaz.

Objectives and goals of the Project

The project focuses on strengthening relationships with international stakeholders in the maritime sector. In this context, all maritime-related non-governmental organizations (NGOs) recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will be identified, and meetings will be held with these organizations under the IAMU framework. In this way, IAMU’s direct interaction with the industry will be increased, and sectoral support for maritime education and research activities will be institutionalized and made sustainable.

Among the project’s goals are the establishment of a permanent platform for university–industry collaboration, aligning educational programs in maritime faculties with the evolving needs of the industry, and enabling direct contributions from industry representatives to curriculum development processes. Additionally, the project aims to enhance communication and information sharing with international stakeholders, thereby better preparing graduates for the global maritime sector.

Project outputs will include the institutional integration strategy for the IAB within IAMU, an implementation roadmap, a charter, and promotional materials for the IAMU website. Thus, IAMU’s relations with the industry are expected to gain an institutional and sustainable structure.

By participating in this international collaborative project, ITU academics are making strong contributions to both our university’s and Türkiye’s maritime and logistics vision.