On the occasion of the Inauguration Ceremony of the 2026-2027 Academic Year, Vietnam Maritime University (VMU) warmly welcomed the Representatives of three long-standing Japanese partners: NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd., NYK Energy Ocean Corporation, and Sugahara Kisen Co., Ltd.
The presence of leaders from these Japanese companies once again highlighted the strong and longstanding partnership between VMU and Japanese maritime enterprises, particularly in the recruitment, training, and development of high-quality maritime human resources.
The Delegation included Mr. Kazuma Yamanaka, President of NS United Kaiun Kaisha Ltd.; Mr. Hitomi Shinya, Vice President of NYK Energy Ocean Corporation; and Mr. Katsutoshi Sugahara, President of Sugahara Kisen. They were welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Xuan Duong, President of Vietnam Maritime University, together with members of the University’s leadership and the Representatives of relevant faculties and departments.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Kazuma Yamanaka, President of NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd., expressed appreciation for the Company’s three-decade partnership with VMU and its continued commitment to recruiting and developing Vietnamese maritime professionals. Mr. Yamanaka also shared that NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. is expected to join the NYK Group around April 2027, with the move aimed at leveraging NYK’s resources while preserving the Company’s traditional values and management independence. He reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to its long-standing partnership with VMU, particularly in the areas of recruitment, training and human resource development.
President Pham Xuan Duong met with the Representatives of NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hitomi Shinya, Vice President of NYK Energy Ocean Corporation, highlighted that VMU graduates have been working aboard the Company’s vessels since 2004 and emphasized the significant contribution of Vietnamese seafarers to the Group’s fleet operations. Currently, Vietnamese seafarers account for approximately 40% of the total seafarer workforce aboard vessels managed by the Group’s ship management companies. Vietnamese seafarers, from young crew members to experienced masters and chief engineers, are working across various types of vessels, including bulk carriers and chemical tankers, contributing to safe vessel operations and reliable cargo transportation.
NYK Group representatives took a commemorative photo with VMU
Furthermore, Mr. Katsutoshi Sugahara, President of Sugahara Kisen, returned to VMU after an eight-year absence, marking another highlight of the event. His presence reflected the Company’s deep appreciation for its longstanding relationship with VMU. The Company’s continued engagement with VMU reflects its commitment to strengthening cooperation in human resource development and providing Vietnamese students with greater opportunities to pursue international maritime careers.
Mr. Katsutoshi Sugahara, President of Sugahara Kisen, visited practical training equipment sponsored by the Company
Speaking at the meeting, Assoc.Prof. Dr. Pham Xuan Duong, President of Vietnam Maritime University expressed his sincere appreciation for the continued trust and support of Japanese partners, emphasizing that they are among VMU’s most important and long-standing international partners.
The continued cooperation between VMU and its Japanese partners reflects a shared commitment to developing highly qualified maritime professionals and strengthening the contribution of Vietnamese human resources to the global maritime industry.