Driven by its Blue Ocean Strategy philosophy, the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) has signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Port Institute for Education and Research (IPER) - an integral part of Ecole de Management de Normandie, Le Havre, France.

The alliance with the French institute is part of the CMI's quest to remain relevant in meeting the needs and expectations of the maritime and land-based shipping industry of the Caribbean and the world.

The MoU seeks to build cooperation in the following areas: organisation and development of executive training programmes; joint research and development projects; joint consultancy projects, and faculty and student exchanges. The agreement was signed on March 8 by Fritz Pinnock - executive director of the CMI, Hendrik Lohse - executive director of IPER, and Jean-Guy Bernard - director general of Ecole de Management de Normandie, in Le Havre, France.

Additionally, the institutions will endeavour to access financial support for joint projects from the International Maritime Organisation, the European Commission, and other third-party funding bodies.

Pinnock participated in a series of meetings sponsored by SEFACIL Foundation in France, during Applied Research Week. The main objective of the meetings was to strengthen links between Jamaica and France in the areas of applied research and port/maritime studies.

CAPTION: The Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Maritime College of France (ENSM). This MOU creates the historic link between a Jamaican and French tertiary institution. The signing took place on March 8, 2012 in Le Havre, France. Pictured here (from left) are Christian Larrieu, executive director of National Maritime College of France; Fritz Pinnock, CMI; and Dr Yann Alix, delegue general, Sefacil Foundation, France (sponsor of CMI to be in France). - Contributed