March 18, 2026
Senior executives from the German shipping giant, Peter Döhle, a long-standing strategic partner, visited the Bahir Dar University Maritime Academy on March 18, 2026. The visit aimed to further strengthen the enduring partnership between the two institutions and explore new areas of collaboration.
Mr. Bizu Gibramu, the Academy’s Liaison Officer and Logistics Coordinator, welcomed the delegation and guided them on a tour of the Academy’s key facilities. The visitors toured the medical training facilities, where students receive hands-on instruction in first aid to help save lives at sea and manage emergencies. They also visited the modern mechanical and electrical workshops, which play a crucial role in delivering high-quality practical training to marine graduates.
Peter Döhle currently employs over 500 personnel, of whom 120 (nearly 25%) are Ethiopians trained at the Bahir Dar University Maritime Academy. This figure stands as a strong testament to the Academy’s role in producing internationally competitive and qualified maritime professionals.
“This visit will not only create internship opportunities for our students but will also open doors for expanded employment and accelerated technology transfer,” said Mr. Bizu.
It was also noted during the visit that such international partnerships contribute significantly to enhancing training quality in line with global standards. They also increase the competitiveness of Ethiopian marine graduates in the international shipping industry, support the growth of the country’s foreign exchange earnings, and broaden students’ exposure to modern maritime technologies.
Bahir Dar University Maritime Academy will continue to strengthen its collaboration with international institutions to enhance Ethiopia’s presence in the global maritime transport sector, Mr. Bizu, Liaison Officer and Logistics Coordinator of the Academy, affirmed.