Ayvalık Maritime Students Completed Their Internship in Europe

Today, June 29, 2026, reports indicate that a group of talented maritime students from the Ayvalık region have returned to their country after completing an intensive and specialized training course in the heart of the European maritime industry. This program, implemented under the coordination of the 'Pakmaya Kenan Kaptan' Vocational and Technical Maritime High School, is considered a significant step toward standardizing the skills of the new generation of mariners with international benchmarks [1].

Details of the 'Green Employment in Blue Waters' Project This project, identified by number 2024-1-TR01-KA122-VET-000217088 and supported by the Turkish National Agency within the framework of Erasmus+ programs, focused on training in modern and environmentally friendly technologies. The main objective of this movement was to familiarize students with the concepts of 'green maritime' and methods to reduce emissions in the maritime transport industry. 16 selected students had the opportunity to challenge their theoretical knowledge in advanced operational environments [2].

Technical Training in Italy and Spain During their stay in Europe, the students worked in two key centers: the Cantiere Navale Cintura shipyard in Italy and the Pase Nautic institute in Spain. The primary focus of these courses was on the 'maintenance and repair of fuel systems in dual-fuel ship engines.' These engines, which use alternative and clean fuels, are shaping the future of the maritime industry. By attending workshops, students became closely acquainted with troubleshooting processes, maintenance of pressure systems, and fuel supply connections [1][3].

Focus on Safety and Professional Standards In addition to technical topics, a large part of this internship was dedicated to compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) protocols. Students learned how to implement European safety standards in the high-risk environments of shipyards. Furthermore, examining green production methods and industrial waste management in port environments were other important parts of this educational journey that provided a new perspective to these future sailors [2].

Cultural Achievements and Future Outlook 'Umut Yasin Aslan,' the principal of Kenan Kaptan High School, expressed satisfaction with the project results, emphasizing that these experiences are not limited to technical skills. By being present in international environments, students not only strengthened their professional language but also became familiar with different work cultures and gained the necessary confidence to work on ocean-going vessels. The school intends to turn Ayvalık into a hub for training specialized mariners in the region by continuing international collaborations [1][3].