HarborLab and the MSc in Marine Science and Technology Management offered by the Department of Maritime Studies at the University of Piraeus and the Naval Academy, have signed a cooperation agreement.
The aim of this collaboration is to strengthen the connection between the academic community and the maritime industry, as well as to promote academic knowledge and innovation.
As part of its social contribution and commitment to ESG principles, HarborLab has established the HarborLab Academy, which seeks to introduce students and maritime industry professionals to the world of Disbursement Accounts – the analysis and practical management of port and vessel support costs. This practical knowledge was previously not sufficiently available in higher education institutions.
Now, the collaboration between HarborLab and the University of Piraeus through the ‘Marine Science and Technology Management’ postgraduate program, will offer students both theoretical and practical knowledge, with access to the leading technology in the market – HarborLab’s cloud- based platform – providing them with the skills necessary for their professional careers.
HarborLab and the ‘MSc in Marine Science and Technology Management’ are committed to the following joint activities:
1. Lectures and Talks: HarborLab executives will conduct lectures and talks for the students.
2. Involvement of HarborLab Academy: The HarborLab Academy will participate in the
educational activities of the program, providing valuable experience and knowledge.
3. Scholarships for Thesis Work: HarborLab will offer scholarships for the completion of
theses related to its field of expertise, encouraging the next generation of maritime professionals.
HarborLab's CEO, Antonis Malaxianakis, stated: "Our collaboration with the University of Piraeus is a tremendous honor and source of pride for me, as I am an alumnus of the University myself. Through this partnership, I have the opportunity to give back to the next generation, helping them access knowledge and opportunities that were previously unavailable in the maritime industry. It is crucial to close the gap between public universities and the job market, something we aim to achieve in collaboration with Dr. Lagoudis and the University of Piraeus team. The creation of the HarborLab Academy was a necessary and natural evolution for HarborLab, as there was a
significant gap we detected in knowledge and experience in the field of disbursement accounts, which had become highly bureaucratic and often outsourced, sometimes to companies outside Greece, such as in India. Through the HarborLab platform and Academy, we are providing not only the necessary tools but also the knowledge required for companies to regain control of their port and management expenses, enhancing their operational capabilities. HarborLab is continuously establishing itself as the ‘single source of truth’ for all disbursement account management processes, and I believe this step strengthens both Greek shipping and the new generation of professionals."
Dr. Ioannis N. Lagoudis, Director of the Program, stated: "We are thrilled and excited to collaborate with HarborLab, which is one of the most prominent examples of Greek innovation in the maritime industry, stemming from Greek public universities. This collaboration underscores the emphasis that the MSc in Marine Science and Technology Management places on providing knowledge that integrates developments in new and innovative technological solutions. We believe that the future of the maritime industry, and by extension, maritime education, is closely linked to the use and analysis of large data sets. Our collaboration with HarborLab, both at the research and educational levels, will strengthen the skills of our students and expose them to innovative ideas and business solutions of the future. At the MSc in Marine Science and Technology Management, we are passionate about continuously upgrading the level of maritime studies through a series of actions and collaborations with companies in the maritime industry, like HarborLab. We welcome HarborLab to our network of partnerships, and we are confident that our collaboration will be highly beneficial not only for the directly involved parties but also for the wider maritime community."