Frederick University is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Shipmanagement Cyprus, a key subsidiary of MSC – the world’s largest container shipping company. MSC leads the global maritime industry, operating a fleet of over 800 container vessels and managing more than 900 ships across various sectors through MSC Shipmanagement, making it a global leader in both container shipping and ship management.

This landmark partnership reflects MSC’s commitment to investing in education and developing the maritime workforce of tomorrow. Through this collaboration, MSC will provide scholarships and financial support to Cypriot students, encouraging them to pursue studies in the blue economy and strengthening the human capital of Cyprus.

The Memorandum was signed on behalf of MSC Shipmanagement Limited by Group Managing Director and CEO Prabha Jha, and on behalf of Frederick University by Dr Angelos Menelaou, Head of the Department of Maritime Transport and Commerce. The signing ceremony, held at Frederick University in Limassol, was also attended by members of the academic staff and students.

Specifically, MSC Shipmanagement Limited will offer short-term internships and two full scholarships, covering the entire four-year duration of studies, to new incoming students enrolled in the BSc in Maritime Studies programme at Frederick University. Eligible students will be selected by an evaluation committee, and new scholarships will be announced every two years.

In addition, MSC Shipmanagement Limited will provide financial support for students participating in the programme’s annual educational field trip to Europe. The trip includes visits to key maritime institutions and landmarks such as the International Maritime Organisation, the Greenwich Observatory and the Baltic Exchange in London.

Finally, the company will fund the annual subscription to valuable information resources that support both students and researchers in the field.

As part of the Memorandum, Frederick University will hold a series of educational workshops on marine and shipping topics for the personnel of MSC Shipmanagement Limited and/or the wider maritime industry. The two parties will also collaborate in research, in fields of mutual interest, well as the organisation of scientific events focusing on maritime and the blue economy.

During the signing ceremony, Group Managing Director and CEO Jha highlighted his company’s commitment to supporting Cyprus’ younger generation in enhancing their knowledge and skills and progressing in careers in the maritime sector.

For his part, Dr Menelaou pointed out the new tie’s alignment with the HEI’s mission. “At Frederick University, we are committed to providing our students with meaningful opportunities that bridge academic learning and real-world maritime industry experience,” he noted. “Our collaboration with MSC Shipmanagement Limited reflects this commitment and strengthens our mission to educate the next generation of maritime professionals equipped to lead in a dynamic and evolving global sector. On behalf of the entire university community, I extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to MSC Shipmanagement Cyprus for their trust, generosity, and dedication to empowering the next generation of maritime professionals.”