A milestone event for maritime vocational training in Lebanon took place with the official inauguration of the International Maritime Academy’s (IMA) new training workshops on October 3. The ceremony, held under the patronage of the French Ambassador to Lebanon, H.E. Hervé Magro, also marked the success of a flagship training program aimed at equipping Lebanese youth with professional skills for the maritime sector.
Organized in collaboration with the European Institute of Cooperation and Development (IECD) and the Semeurs d’Avenir (SDA) association, and supported by the CMA CGM Foundation and the French Development Agency (AFD), the event brought together institutional, academic, and private partners alongside graduates of the program.
Bridging Skills and Employment
The program is designed to prepare young Lebanese from technical backgrounds, such as electricity, mechanics, and hospitality, for international standards in the maritime industry. Through practical workshops, hands-on training, and tailored coaching, it aims to boost employability and create career opportunities both locally and abroad.
Pierre Akl, Director of the International Maritime Academy, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative: “These new workshops give our graduates access to professional-level facilities, helping them prepare for promising careers at sea.”
Key Achievements (July 2024 – June 2025)
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160 young people enrolled in the training program
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Over 90% employment rate among graduates
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67 trainees embarked on CMA CGM vessels
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18 graduates hired by local and international companies
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20 partner schools involved
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900+ students introduced to maritime professions
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17 trainers trained, with 120+ hours of coaching provided
The maritime training program is proving to be a model for effective vocational education in Lebanon, offering a concrete path from education to employment in a vital and growing sector.
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