Maritime sector offers young people new opportunities through growth of oil and gas industry

The Maritieme Open Dagen are being held from November 5 to 7. Pupils from various VOJ and LBO schools, as well as other interested parties, will have the opportunity to become acquainted with the work, training programmes and career opportunities within the maritime sector. Various companies and organisations are presenting themselves during the event.

Minister Landveld, who represented President Jennifer Simons at the opening, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. According to him, it is important that young people are prepared in time for the developments that future offshore oil production will bring.

Oil and gas development must yield more for Suriname

Landveld stressed that the growth of the offshore energy sector not only offers economic opportunities, but also entails major responsibilities. In particular, maritime safety, environmental protection and the training of Surinamese personnel deserve special attention, he said. “The true measure of success is not only the number of barrels of oil produced or the capital invested, but above all how much value remains within the Surinamese economy,” the minister stated.

He called on young people to make use of training opportunities and prepare themselves for a future role within the so-called blue economy. This refers to economic activities connected to the sea and other water areas.

Brunings announces marine environment assessment

Minister Patrick Brunings of Olie, Gas en Milieu (OGM) also pointed to the opportunities and challenges that the development of the oil and gas sector entails. He announced that a baseline assessment of the marine environment will be carried out. This study must map the current environmental situation and serve as a starting point for assessing future changes and possible effects of offshore activities.

In addition, the existing national oil pollution disaster response plan will be expanded. The new plan must cover not only oil spills, but also incidents involving chemicals, both at sea and in Surinamese rivers. Brunings further stressed the importance of education and specialised knowledge to better prepare Surinamers for economic developments. “Pursuing higher education in this Suriname 3.0 is no longer merely an option. It is a profound national duty,” the minister said.

TotalEnergies stresses importance of maritime knowledge

Artur Nunes da Silva, General Manager of TotalEnergies, also highlighted the importance of knowledge development within the maritime sector. According to him, thorough knowledge of Surinamese waters is necessary for the safe and sustainable development of the offshore industry. “Hydrographic knowledge forms the basis for a safe, sustainable and economically strong maritime future for Suriname,” he stressed.

Hydrography focuses, among other things, on mapping water depths, seabeds and other characteristics of water areas. This information is important for safe navigation and offshore activities.

International attention for Maritieme Open Dagen

MAS director Michel Amafo thanked the participating companies and organisations for their involvement in the fifteenth edition of the event. He also announced that the president of the World Maritime University is expected to attend the Maritieme Open Dagen 2027 next year.

Amafo pointed to the growing number of Surinamese students graduating from this international maritime university. According to MAS, this development contributes to the further building of specialised knowledge and expertise within Suriname’s maritime sector. The Maritieme Open Dagen will conclude on Saturday, November 7.