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Korea Maritime & Ocean University Launches Full-Scale Maritime Diplomacy with China through Keynote Speech at International Forum and Expanded Global Cooperation on Maritime Law
Strengthening an international network of 80 Chinese maritime law alumni and advancing the establishment of a “Global Maritime Law Experts Advisory Committee”
Korea Maritime & Ocean University (KMOU) (President Dong Keun Ryoo) has embarked on a major international initiative in China’s leading maritime and port-related arenas to expand global maritime education and maritime industry cooperation.
A delegation led by KMOU President Dong Keun Ryoo visited Ningbo and Shanghai, China, from May 27 to 30, where it participated in an international maritime forum, held discussions on cooperation with global maritime institutions, and visited leading maritime-specialized universities in China. The visit was undertaken to strengthen the University’s global leadership within international maritime education networks and to expand the foundation for maritime education, research, and industry cooperation between Korea and China.
During the visit, the delegation attended the 2026 Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum, visited the China Regional Headquarters of the Korean Register (KR), and stopped by Shanghai Maritime University. President Dong Keun Ryoo attended the 2026 Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum, held in Ningbo, China, on May 28, as an officially invited speaker and delivered a keynote address. The forum is one of the leading international forums in the maritime and port sectors, jointly organized by the Zhejiang Provincial Government, Zhejiang Seaport Group, and other organizations. It brings together major institutions and experts from the global port, shipping, logistics, and legal fields.
Under the theme “The International Commercial Court of the Sea and the Role of KMOU,” President Dong Keun Ryoo spoke on Busan’s competitiveness in international maritime law; the future direction of Korea’s maritime industry development; and the role and vision of KMOU amid evolving global maritime law, port, and logistics environments.
The delegation also visited the China Regional Headquarters of the KR in Shanghai, where discussions focused on fostering specialized talent in maritime safety and classification certification, as well as expanding industry-academia cooperation and global internship programs. In particular, the two sides agreed to cooperate on establishing a practice-oriented global talent development system linked to the maritime industry and expanding pathways to international employment.
The delegation subsequently visited Shanghai Maritime University to discuss expanding student exchange programs, short-term training programs, joint research initiatives, and international collaborative education programs.
Both universities are leading maritime-specialized institutions affiliated with the International Association of Maritime Universities and the Asia Maritime & Fisheries Universities Forum (AMFUF). The visit is expected to further expand student and faculty exchanges as well as collaborative projects between the two institutions.
In particular, KMOU’s Division of Maritime Law has trained international maritime law professionals through its undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, with approximately 80 students from China having studied in the Division over the years. Many of these graduates have returned to China and are now actively engaged at universities, research institutes, government agencies, and maritime-related industries, serving as a bridge for maritime law and marine policy cooperation between Korea and China. Building on this global alumni network, KMOU plans to establish the Global Maritime Law Advisory Council. The Council will invite experts in maritime law, marine policy, and international law from Korea, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, and other key regions to promote international joint research, policy advisory activities, professional talent development, and global academic exchanges.
Through this initiative, KMOU aims to strengthen its role as a global hub for cooperation in international maritime law and to build a world-class maritime law education and research system that will lead the future development of the maritime industry.
President Dong Keun Ryoo emphasized, “The maritime industry and maritime education have entered an era in which international cooperation and global connectivity are essential. As Korea’s leading national university specializing in maritime studies, KMOU will continue to lead international cooperation in maritime education and the cultivation of global talent, while also establishing itself as a world-class hub for research and education in the field of international maritime law.” He added, “This visit to China goes beyond a simple international exchange. It will serve as an important opportunity to build a global cooperation platform that connects the maritime industry, education, law, and policy. Moving forward, we will actively foster future talent that enhances the international competitiveness of Korea’s maritime industry and contributes to the development of global maritime governance through international maritime networks.”
Meanwhile, KMOU currently serves as the Chair University and Permanent Secretariat of the AMFUF. President Dong Keun Ryoo has also been elected as the Asia-Oceania Regional Representative of AMU for the 2027-2028 term, playing a leading role in the global maritime education cooperation network.
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