Co-funded by the European Union

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Transforming maritime education in Ukraine with AI and sustainable transport

SMarTAI is an Erasmus+ project that modernises maritime higher education by integrating artificial intelligence, green technologies and immersive training tools.

  • Modern maritime curricula aligned with digital and green transition
  • Online professional courses and VR-based training exercises
  • Closer cooperation between universities, industry and society
Discover the project

About SMarTAI

SMarTAI – Sustainable Maritime Transport Artificial Intelligence – supports the modernisation of maritime higher education in Ukraine by embedding AI, data analytics and environmental sustainability into teaching, learning and cooperation with industry.

Project in brief

The project brings together European and Ukrainian universities to update study programmes, design online professional courses and develop VR training exercises for maritime transport. It aims to strengthen graduates’ skills for a greener and more digital maritime sector.

SMarTAI also promotes inclusive and innovative teaching methods, ensuring that students, academic staff and professionals can benefit from new learning opportunities.

Key facts

  • Type: Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education
  • Duration: 36 months
  • Focus: AI, sustainability & maritime transport
  • Partners: European & Ukrainian HEIs and stakeholders
Read more about the project →

Objectives & Impact

SMarTAI addresses the digital and green transitions in maritime transport by modernising programmes, strengthening skills and connecting education with industry needs.

Modernise curricula

Update maritime programmes with AI, data analytics and sustainability content aligned with European and international standards.

💻

Boost digital skills

Develop online professional courses and interactive learning resources to enhance digital competences of students and staff.

🌱

Support green transition

Integrate environmental performance, energy efficiency and sustainable operation into maritime education and training.

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Strengthen cooperation

Foster long-term partnerships between universities, industry and public authorities to improve employability and innovation.

Who benefits?

Universities

Modern programmes, new courses and stronger links to the maritime sector.

Students & graduates

Improved employment prospects through AI and sustainability skills.

Industry

Better prepared professionals for smarter and greener maritime operations.

Society & policy

Contribution to EU digital and green transition objectives and SDGs.

Work Packages

The project is organised in four work packages that cover management, curriculum modernisation, digital & inclusive learning, and dissemination.

WP1 – Project Management & Coordination

Ensures effective coordination of activities, quality assurance, risk management and communication among all partners.

WP2 – Curriculum Modernisation

Reviews existing programmes and develops updated courses that embed AI, sustainability and international best practices in maritime transport.

WP3 – Inclusion, Digitalisation, OPCs & VR

Designs online professional courses, inclusive learning approaches and VR-based training exercises for maritime education and upskilling.

WP4 – Dissemination, Exploitation & Sustainability

Promotes project results, engages stakeholders and supports long-term use and sustainability of the developed tools and materials.

Partners

SMarTAI brings together universities and organisations from the European Union and Ukraine, combining expertise in maritime transport, AI and higher education reform.

Partner 1 Logo

University of the Aegean

Greece – Project coordinator and Greek public university leading the overall SMarTAI implementation.

Partner 2 Logo

Klaipeda University

Lithuania – Lithuanian university contributing expertise in maritime education, innovation and international cooperation.

Partner 3 Logo

Kherson State Maritime Academy

Ukraine – Ukrainian maritime higher education institution supporting curriculum modernisation and maritime training.

Partner 4 Logo

National University “Odessa Maritime Academy”

Ukraine – Ukrainian maritime academy contributing academic expertise in maritime transport and professional education.

Partner 5 Logo

Kherson Maritime Specialised Training Centre at KSMA

Ukraine – Ukrainian maritime training centre contributing specialised professional and practical maritime training capacity.

Partner 4 Logo

CRETHIDEV

Greece – Greek development organisation supporting capacity building, digital learning, dissemination and stakeholder engagement.

News & Events

Follow the latest developments, meetings and milestones of the SMarTAI project.

2025-01-15

SMarTAI project kickoff meeting

The consortium gathered to launch the project, align expectations and plan the first activities on curriculum review and stakeholder engagement.

2025-03-10

Workshop on AI in maritime transport

Academic staff and industry representatives discussed how AI, data analytics and automation are reshaping maritime operations and training needs.

2025-06-01

Curriculum modernisation phase starts

Partner universities begin updating selected courses, integrating sustainability and AI-related content in line with SMarTAI guidelines.

Contact

For more information about SMarTAI and opportunities to cooperate, please reach out to the project team.

Stay connected

Project contact

Email: info@smartai-project.eu
Lead institution
Street address, City, Country

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