LANGKAWI, 18 March 2015– Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has partnered with the Marine Department of Malaysia (MarDep) in developing expertise in research and training in marine technology.
The partnership will involve the strategic collaboration between the Maritime Transport Administration and Management Training Institute (ILPPPL), Marine Department Malaysia, and the UTM Marine Technology Centre (UTM-MTC). ILPPL specializes in the training and research in marine transportation, while UTM-MTC is a hydrodynamic center with expertise in marine technology and offshore engineering.
The MoU signed between the two parties will encompass the following:
i. Collaboration in organizing research in related fields;
ii. Provision of industrial training/internship for UTM students at MarDep;
iii. Establishment of a knowledge sharing platform for any parties interested in ports, maritime, shipping, and other related sectors.
iv. Joint collaboration in promotion programmes and exhibitions.
The collaboration will harness the talents and expertise available in both institutions, resulting in a synergised effort. Among collaborative research initiatives which have been identified, include:
i. Development of a Safe Navigation Assessment Tool for the Straits of Malacca
ii. Dynamic Stability of a High Speed Vessel
iii. Development of a Standard Passenger Ferry Design for Malaysian Waters
iv. Development of a Navigation Buoy Design for Malaysian Waters
v. Strategies and options for sustainable Malaysian shipping and port development
vi. Simplified Stability Standards for Small Ships
vii. Malaysia and the IMO – Initiating a response

The MoU signifies the start of a two-year collaborative effort, which may be further extended through the consent of both parties.
The MoU signatory on behalf of UTM is its Vice-Chancellor, Y.Bhg. Prof Datuk. Ir. Dr. Wahid Omar, while MarDep is represented by the Director General of Marine, Y.Bhg Dato Hj Baharin Bin Dato’ Abdul Hamid.