PARAMARIBO — During the fifteenth edition of the Maritime Open Days, which closes on Saturday, interested parties and students from various VOJ and LBO schools will have the opportunity to become acquainted with the maritime sector, the various activities and career opportunities. Through the fair, young people are informed about opportunities within the maritime sector. Various companies and organizations present themselves to the public during the open days.
According to Minister Raymond Landveld of Transport, Communications and Tourism (TCT), it is important that young people gain insight into the possibilities within the maritime industry, in view of future developments within the oil and gas sector. He called on them to develop into the leaders of Suriname’s blue economy. “The true measure of success is not just the number of oil barrels produced or capital invested, but above all how much value remains within the Surinamese economy,” he said.
“Hydrographic knowledge forms the basis for a safe, sustainable and economically strong maritime future of Suriname”
Artur Nunes da Silva
Safety and protection
Landveld and colleague Patrick Brunings from Oil, Gas and Environment (OGM) emphasized that the growth of the offshore energy sector brings great opportunities and responsibilities. Maritime safety, environmental protection and local capacity building are essential. Brunings announced, among other things, a zero measurement of the marine environment (baseline study) and the extension of the National Oil Pollution Emergency Response Plan to a broader plan for oil and chemical spills, both offshore and in rivers.
Artur Nunes da Silva, general manager of TotalEnergies, emphasized the importance of knowledge about Suriname’s maritime resources. “Hydrographic knowledge forms the basis for a safe, sustainable and economically strong maritime future of Suriname.” Brunings made it clear that pursuing higher education in this ‘Suriname 3.0’ is no longer just an option. “It is a profound national obligation,” said the OGM minister.
The Maritime Authority of Suriname (MAS) is organizing the Maritime Open Days for the fifteenth time. Landveld, who represented President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, expressed his appreciation for this initiative.
MAS director announced that the president of The World Maritime University will be present next year during the Maritime Open Days 2027. Amafo pointed to the growing number of Surinamese students graduating from The World Maritime University.
