The Sea Heritage Foundation is pleased to formally announce the official signing of its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sierra Fleet Services and Federation Academy at the Shipping Australia offices recently, marking a significant milestone in the Foundation’s continued growth in maritime education and training with the formation of the Sea Heritage Foundation Maritime Academy.
The partnership, first announced in December, establishes a dedicated maritime training academy aligned with the Foundation’s mission to expand Indigenous maritime training pathways and strengthen human-centred, industry-best-practice maritime education across Australia for deck hands, integrated ratings, and officer cadets (Deck & Engineering).
Foundation Chairman, Dr CJ Manjarres-Wahlberg, said the formalisation of the agreement reinforces the shared long-term vision of all parties.
“This partnership represents more than collaboration; it is a commitment to building capability, creating opportunity, and strengthening maritime skills for future generations. We are proud to formalise this important step forward.”
The Sea Heritage Foundation also extends its sincere appreciation to Shipping Australia for generously hosting the official signing ceremony.
“The support of Shipping Australia in hosting this milestone event is greatly appreciated. Their commitment to fostering collaboration across the maritime sector reflects the strength and unity of our industry,” Sierra Fleet Services CEO & Fleet Master, Captain Harold Van Haltren, said.
“Our partnership seeks to develop Australian sovereign capacity in autonomous underwater vessels by applying our unique water-cleaning solution. This technology uses light as a biocide to remove all forms of biofouling from the hull of a ship. We also aim to produce cadets who are trained and experienced in this technology as it is developed here in Australia”.
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing maritime capability, fostering innovation, and strengthening pathways for Indigenous participation in the maritime domain.
