DNV and National Technical University of Athens Expand Maritime Research Partnership to Advance Decarbonization and Shipping Innovation
Classification society DNV and the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) have strengthened their collaboration by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during Posidonia 2026, reinforcing cooperation in maritime research, education, innovation, and industry engagement.
The agreement establishes a structured framework for joint activities across maritime research, professional training, knowledge exchange, and industry-academia collaboration, supporting both the Greek shipping industry and the wider international maritime sector.
Under the new partnership, DNV and NTUA will develop collaborative projects through separate agreements as the cooperation progresses. Initial areas of focus include advanced maritime technologies, clean energy solutions, maritime training programs, and research partnerships linking academia with industry.
A key objective of the agreement is to enhance professional education by integrating practical shipping expertise into academic curricula, helping prepare future maritime professionals for an evolving industry.
Professor Ioannis Chatzigeorgiou, Rector of NTUA, emphasized the university’s long-standing relationship with Greek shipping.
“NTUA maintains a long-standing connection with Greek Shipping through our groundbreaking research and the education of generations of naval architects and marine engineers,” he said.
According to Chatzigeorgiou, the new agreement provides a platform where academic knowledge and industry experience can work together to address critical challenges facing global shipping, including maritime decarbonization, digital transformation, and operational safety.
Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV, highlighted the close ties between NTUA and the Greek maritime community.
“A significant share of the Greek Shipowners’ ecosystem relies on the technical expertise of NTUA graduates,” Stefanatos noted.
He added that combining NTUA’s academic capabilities with DNV’s classification expertise and operational experience will support the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of Greek shipping.
The collaboration is also expected to create new opportunities for students, researchers, and MSc candidates to engage with real-world engineering challenges, emerging maritime technologies, and evolving international maritime regulations.
The agreement reflects the growing importance of cooperation between academia and industry as the global shipping sector accelerates its transition toward cleaner energy solutions, digitalized operations, and sustainable maritime development.
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