DNV and NTUA sign new MoU to advance maritime research and education

DNV and the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Posidonia 2026, setting out a framework for cooperation on maritime research, education, training, innovation, and knowledge dissemination, for the benefit of the maritime community in Greece and internationally.

Under the MoU, DNV and NTUA intend to pursue collaborative research activities, to advance understanding of the technical and operational challenges facing shipping. The agreement establishes the basis for joint work across maritime research, education and training, with projects and activities to be developed under separate agreements as the partnership matures. Initial areas of focus are expected to include advanced maritime technologies and clean energy systems, the development and delivery of maritime professional training, and the establishment of targeted joint academic–industry research partnerships.

Prof. Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou, Rector of NTUA, said: “NTUA maintains a long-standing connection with Greek Shipping through our groundbreaking research, and the education of generations of naval architects and marine engineers who have contributed to the world’s most influential maritime cluster. This collaboration with DNV creates a platform where academic excellence and industrial expertise can come together to address the evolving challenges of maritime decarbonization, digital transformation, safety, through innovation. As the sector moves through a period of profound transition, NTUA is continuously adapting to the needs of Greek Shipping by working alongside global leaders such as DNV to help maintain its technological leadership, competitive advantage, safety standards, and long-term sustainability.”

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director, DNV, commented: "A significant share of the Greek Shipowners’ ecosystem relies on the technical expertise of NTUA graduates. DNV has long recognized the value of close collaboration with the Greek academic community, working together to translate shared knowledge into practical competence that the industry can rely on. NTUA brings deep academic strength in naval architecture and marine engineering, while at DNV we bring the technical depth that comes from our leading role in classification, rule development, and experience from a global fleet. Greek shipping has always had a special place in the global industry, and together with NTUA we want to continue to help it share that leadership for generations to come.”

The collaboration is also designed to strengthen NTUA’s educational activities by bringing industrial experience and the lessons from real operational challenges into the classroom. Enabling students, MSc candidates, and researchers to engage with practical engineering problems, emerging shipping technologies, regulatory developments, and real-world maritime applications emerging from DNV’s class role, international experience, and technical leadership.