UMRAH Launches First Research Vessel to Strengthen Maritime Education

Tanjungpinang (ANTARA) - Raja Ali Haji Maritime University (UMRAH) has launched the Elang Laut 1, the university’s first research vessel, which will be operated to support education, research, and community service, especially in the maritime sector.

The Rector of UMRAH, Prof. Agung Dhamar Syakti, said that the Elang Laut 1 is not just a ship, but a symbol of the university’s commitment to building a maritime civilisation based on science.

“The Elang Laut 1 is a floating laboratory that will strengthen marine research, enrich student learning experiences, and provide real solutions to coastal and maritime problems,” said Agung at the UMRAH campus, Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (Kepri), Thursday.

The Rector said that the operation of the research vessel is part of UMRAH’s strategic policy direction to strengthen governance, increase the productivity of internationally renowned research, and encourage the emergence of centres of excellence in the maritime field.

According to him, as one of the maritime state universities in Kepri, UMRAH has a moral and academic responsibility to be a reference in the development of marine science and fisheries.

Furthermore, the Rector emphasised that investment in the research vessel is a long-term investment in the development of superior human resources and strengthening UMRAH’s contribution to the sustainable blue economy.

He affirmed that this moment marks a new milestone for UMRAH in strengthening its identity as a progressive and impactful maritime campus.

“It is hoped that the Elang Laut 1 will be a means of generating excellent research that will bring benefits to the university and coastal communities, especially in the Kepri region,” said Agung.

The inaugural voyage of the Elang Laut 1 began from the Sungai Carang Shipyard, Senggarang, to the waters of the Selat Satu Gurindam in the coastal area of the UMRAH campus, Pulau Dompak, on Wednesday (25/2).

Upon arrival at Selat Satu Gurindam, the Rector of UMRAH carried out a ribbon-cutting ceremony and broke a jar on the ship’s deck as a sign of the official launch of the Elang Laut 1.