Distinguished readers of WORLD MARITIME, esteemed colleagues across the global maritime community,

The world is undergoing accelerated and momentous changes. Global governance is becoming increasingly complex due to evolving trade rules and geopolitical friction, while unilateralism and protectionism are rising, undermining the stability of global supply chains and maritime order. Amidst these forces, a technological revolution—fueled by AI and new energy—is rapidly advancing, simultaneously driving industrial transformation and redefining the future of shipping.

Despite headwinds from anti-globalization and challenges to trust mechanisms, China is leveraging historic opportunities from innovation and sustainable development to accelerate the transformation of its shipping sector: promoting green port and shipping infrastructure; advancing research, application, and promotion of new and clean energy equipment; enhancing a highly connected shipping service network; and fostering a green, low-carbon, and intelligent transformation of shipping industry.
As the only university directly affiliated with China’s Ministry of Transport, Dalian Maritime University (DMU) has been entrusted with the mission of leading the maritime education, and serving transportation development. From safeguarding shipping rights to revitalizing the nation, its commitment has never wavered.

The launch of the intelligent dual-use research and training vessel “Xin Hongzhuan” demonstrates DMU’s unwavering direction—to earn industrial trust, make outstanding contributions, and lead in cultivating new maritime productive forces. In its role as Chair of International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU), the university is deepening its global governance engagement, continuing this commitment while holding steadfast to its goal of leading the future and earning worldwide acclaim.
As the nexus where science and technology serve as the primary productive force, talent as the primary resource, and innovation as the primary driving force in the development of the shipping industry, DMU will drive the green development of global shipping by cultivating a new generation of “trailblazers of the maritime future” who will lead the industry forward. The university will serve as an enabler of intelligent development in global shipping through breakthroughs in key and core technologies, promoting deep integration of scientific and industrial innovation, and advancing education, science, and talent in a coordinated manner. As a contributor, DMU will foster win-win cooperation by promoting mutual recognition of maritime rules and alignment of standards, advancing the construction of international green shipping corridors, and defining benchmarks and open new frontiers for the sustainable development of the global maritime industry.

We hope that WORLD MARITIME—a key journal in the maritime community—will serve as an open platform: a bridge connecting China and the world, and a stage advancing global maritime innovation and sustainable development, all under the vision of “connecting the world through transportation.”

We stand ready to join hands with the global shipping community, anchoring our journey in trust and driving transformation through innovation. Our collective mission is to safeguard stable supply chains, promote economic prosperity, and contribute to a community with a shared future for mankind.

Dr. SHAN Hongjun
President of Dalian Maritime University