CSA, SPTI sign MoU to expand maritime training and workforce development in the Caribbean

THE CARIBBEAN Shipping Association (CSA) and the Suriname Port Training Institute (SPTI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), establishing a strategic partnership to expand access to high-quality port and maritime training for industry professionals across the region.

The agreement was signed during the 55th Annual General Meeting, Conference & Exhibition in Paramaribo, Suriname, by CSA President William Brown, CSA General Manager Milaika Capella Ras, SPTI Manager – Port Projects Nico Suys and director of the Suriname Port Management Company, Magda Milano. SPTI functions as a regional unit of APEC Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Centre and Havenbeheer Suriname, combining world-class technical expertise with regional insight.

The MoU aims to strengthen both institutions through joint programmes, knowledge-sharing, and institutional support to enhance professional development in port operations and to support the Caribbean’s transition toward greater digitalisation, decarbonisation, and operational resilience. The partnership will prioritise vocational training, capacity-building, and initiatives that address skills gaps across the region, especially in smaller or emerging ports with limited access to structured training.

Nico Suys emphasised the regional importance of the agreement, stating that MoU represents a major step forward in strengthening regional collaboration in maritime education and workforce development.

“The Suriname Port Training Institute and the Caribbean Shipping Association share a common goal, to raise professional standards, improve safety, and build a more competitive and resilient maritime sector across the Caribbean,” Suys said. He added that the partnership comes at a crucial time as “the Caribbean is working to modernise port operations, embrace digitalisation, and prepare for greater trade connectivity”.

William Brown echoed the sentiments shared by Suys, noting that modernisation must go hand in hand with human-capital investment. “As we modernise regional port operations, we must ensure that our workforce has the competencies to match. Through this partnership with SPTI, we will expand opportunities for practical, high-quality training that strengthens Caribbean ports and positions us to compete globally,” Brown said.

Milaika Capella Ras reinforced this perspective, adding that the CSA is committed to ensuring equitable access to professional development.

“This MoU allows us to deliver more training where it is needed most, ensuring that no port, large or small, is left behind as the industry evolves. Our goal is to empower our members through collaboration, education, and innovation,” the CSA general manager underscored.

The collaboration places strong emphasis on supporting smaller territories with limited training resources. Suys further highlighted this point, noting that one of the core ambitions of this partnership is inclusivity.

“Many smaller or emerging ports face challenges in accessing high-quality, structured training. Through this collaboration, SPTI and CSA intend to make training opportunities more accessible whether through regional workshops, online learning platforms, or tailor-made capacity-building initiatives that can be hosted on site.”

He added that “as we noticed in Antwerp, hybrid courses combining online lectures and tailored onsite modules for a training programme offer a flexible, but reliable solution to organise trainings in today’s maritime landscape”.

Both the CSA and SPTI have expressed confidence that this alliance will deliver tangible benefits for industry personnel, including improved access to technical courses, greater harmonisation of training standards, and new pathways for workforce development throughout the region.

Through this partnership, the CSA continues to advance its mission of supporting efficiency, innovation, and sustainable growth in Caribbean shipping. The signing of the MoU marks another step in strengthening regional cooperation and building a future-ready maritime workforce for the Caribbean.