The following is the text of a news release from the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College:
(THROGGS NECK, N.Y.) — SUNY Maritime College and EEX Maritime Oy of Finland will be working together to encourage entrepreneurs and technological innovations in the maritime industry.
The two recently signed a memorandum of agreement that will allow the two to promote collaboration between startups, large companies and thought leaders in the maritime industry.
The maritime industry is amid a period of change, as technological innovations and advancements change the way the world does business and, increasingly, the way goods transit the globe.
“Entrepreneurial startup companies are, in the current climate, the most dynamic part of the economic landscape, and can also fuel collaboration between larger players,” said Tapio Peltonen, co-founder of EEX Maritime. “Thus, they can have an economic impact well beyond their own size.”
Though the partnership is in its infancy, it gives EEX Maritime, a startup platform company, and SUNY Maritime the opportunity to help startup companies access various resources, including expert faculty, proximity to New York City and the harbor, and student interns.
“The greater maritime industry can benefit from partnerships such as this one between SUNY Maritime and EEX Maritime to nurture transformative technologies for industrywide solutions,” said Dr. Chris Clott, ABS chairman of marine transportation and logistics.
The maritime sector includes offshore resources harvesting, cruises and other tourism, port operations, transportation of goods, and the marine industry, among other things. All of these operations are being transformed through increased connectivity between ships and ports, a growing need for environmental friendly fuels, and changes in ship sizes and operations.
Together, Maritime College and EEX Maritime are exploring hosting events together to encourage collaboration and build connections between entrepreneurs, innovators and existing businesses.
EEX Maritime Oy is founded specifically to develop and serve as a global startup collaboration platform for the maritime sector. In this purpose-built ecosystem, large companies, medium-sized enterprises and innovative start-up companies can find relevant partners, forge effective partnerships and seek to further their innovations through pilots and joint development efforts. The company is looking to sign similar agreements with partners in Europe and Asia.
SUNY Maritime College is the oldest, largest and most selective maritime academy in the United States. Part of the State University of New York system, it enrolls more than 1,800 students and offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs focusing on maritime transportation, the business of shipping, engineering, science and the humanities.
