The Freeport of Riga and RTU agree to cooperate in specialist training and technology transfer

New partners undertake to promote theoretical and practical training of engineering and management professionals as well as co-operate in the field of research, promotion of innovative learning and improvement of working environment in the framework of knowledge development and technology transfer. “It is great honour for the Freeport of Riga to cooperate with Riga Technical University. So far we have successfully collaborated in organizing student competition “The Port for the City”. The winners’ team has already visited one of the most modern European ports – Le Havre in France, that was highly appreciated by the Ambassador of France. I sincerely hope that this cooperation will enhance young people’s understanding of port operation and its importance, fostering their involvement into port activities with the aim to improve key indicators not only compared to other Baltic states’ ports, but also in the framework of all the Baltic sea region, ”says Mr.Leonids Loginovs, the FPR CEO.

“One of the RTU main objectives is to develop innovative activities and improve cooperation with technical industries. Due to the fact that many of the RTU graduates have been trained and specialize in the areas that are the FPR’s key operation areas, and the University conducted relevant research studies, it is natural that we have agreed on closer cooperation, that was inspired by the jointly organized competition for young people with the aim to promote their better understanding of the port operation and development, “comments Mr.Leonids Ribickis, the RTU Rector.

“The port plays an important role in Latvian economy. At the same time, many aspiring professionals have quite vague understanding of various aspects of modern port activities and further application of their knowledge and professional skills. That is why educational moment is extremely important. By organizing competition for young people, we are not just promoting the students' understanding of port operations and development, stimulating new theoretical knowledge and its practical application at the modern port, - in the process of interaction with young people we develop port operation, “says Mr.Eriks Skapars, Chairman of the Jury of the competition “The Port for the City”, Deputy Chairman of the FPR Board.

The trainees’ placement for the University students, collaboration in the academic and professional study programs’ elaboration and development, including cooperation in research studies, use of laboratory equipment and setting up a new laboratory are being planned in the framework of cooperation between the parties.

The cooperation agreement provides for the input of the FPR representatives into the University study process in the status of guest lecturers, joint activities aimed at organizing scholarship competition for the University students with the FPR support, as well as cooperation in other areas of educational work, enhancing further training materials’ development and trainee professional training.

“I am overwhelmed by the fact that our joint activities in the framework of competition for the young people have promoted the launch of enhanced cooperation between the FPR and the RTU. The RTU boasts great potential that enables it to develop this cooperation to the greater extent. This agreement will serve as a basis for future cooperation, increasing the capacity of both parties, “says Mr.Modris Ozolins, the Competition Jury member, the RTU Deputy Rector for Business Relations and Development.

The Agreement will undoubtedly facilitate knowledge transfer to business environment, and every year the FPR will be able to submit to the RTU research applications, related to the areas that are of great importance for the FPR, be it mechanical, technological, work safety or environmental management issues, with the aim to get support from the University seeking for the most efficient solutions.