As part of efforts to strengthen maritime training and capacity-building in Ghana and the West African sub-region, MODEC Production Services Ghana JV Ltd. officially handed over a fully operational workboat, Handler 2, to the Regional Maritime University (RMU) at a brief ceremony held in Accra on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
The donation, made with the support of MV25 Charter Fund Partners, is a significant step toward enhancing RMU’s ability to provide practical and hands-on maritime education to its students. In addition to the workboat, MODEC presented a cash donation of $20,000 to support the transportation, transfer, and maintenance of the vessel.
Described as a “floating classroom,” Handler 2 is expected to be transferred to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GHAPOHA), under whose facilitation RMU will employ the vessel in training cadets and seafarers in practical maritime operations. This initiative is in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch keeping (STCW), which emphasize the importance of practical safety and operational training for maritime professionals.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of RMU, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr., conveyed appreciation for the continued partnership with MODEC. He noted that the collaboration has been built on shared values of excellence, innovation, and capacity-building, and further stated that the vessel would be fully integrated into the university’s academic and training curriculum to provide students with real-world maritime experience.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of RMU, Dr. Jethro W. Brooks Jr. expressing appreciation for the donation.
Remarks delivered on behalf of Mr. Theophilus Ahwireng, Managing Director of MODEC Production Services Ghana JV Ltd., indicated that the donation was viewed as a long-term investment in the development of maritime education and offshore competencies in Ghana and the wider region. It was also disclosed that over $2.3 million has been invested in RMU-related projects by MODEC and its partners, including the establishment of a $1.8 million Welding Training Centre, developed in collaboration with Tullow Oil.
Staff of RMU and dignitaries from MODEC at the ceremony.
The ceremony, which was held on the university’s campus, was attended by RMU management, staff, students, and invited dignitaries. A guided tour of the Handler 2 was undertaken at the university’s Vocational Skills Training Centre (VSTC), where the vessel is currently stationed and ready for integration into training activities.
The donation has been recognized as a demonstration of productive collaboration between academia and industry, aimed at equipping the next generation of maritime professionals with the practical skills required for global standards.