Representatives of Principal Parties to Sign Letter of Intent Tue., Nov. 13 at TOC Americas
PANAMA CITY and SEATTLE – Nov. 12, 2018 – Tideworks Technology, Inc., a full-service provider of comprehensive terminal management and planning software solutions, today at the Terminal Operators Conference (TOC) Americas announced the signing of a letter of intent for academic collaboration between Tideworks, International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP), Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) of Jamaica, and Manzanillo International Terminal-Panamá, S.A. (MIT).
The agreement among these principal organizations is to pursue their mutual interest in strengthening professional technical maritime education in the region, which plays a significant role in maritime trade. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) ranked Panamá-Colón as the number one port and Jamaica as the number eight port in Latin America and the Caribbean based on container throughput. This initiative will further solidify Panama and the Caribbean region as a logistics hub by bringing together world-class technologies, an immersive real-world environment through access to MIT and educational and training facilities.
As part of its participation, Tideworks will donate its world-class terminal operating system (TOS) for use at the Training Center of the Americas (TCOTA) at MIT in Colón, Panama.
The mutual accord will address several key objectives, including the development of a technical maritime training program for UMIP and CMU students; the development of degree/diploma programs and hands-on cargo planning workshops in conjunction with MIT; and the promotion of technical training scholarships in the maritime port area.
“The cooperative development of diploma programs and highly focused workshops, along with the availability of technical-training scholarships, will represent a significant contribution to the advanced learning of our university students,” explained UMIP rector, Aládar Rodríguez. “We believe this level of access to real-world terminal operations and the integration with hands-on TOS exposure will provide an unparalleled experience for professional development and training.”
“As a strong partner in this region, we have an interest in continuing to innovate, develop and contribute to maritime education,” said Thomas (TJ) Rucker, president of Tideworks. “We are excited to provide access to our terminal operating solutions and TCOTA for the purpose of academic training in the area of port logistics, planning and execution of maritime terminal operations.”
The letter of cooperation and the ensuing agreement will provide a significant impetus for maritime education. “We are proud to be part of this effort,” said Carlos Urriola, president of SSA International representing MIT, “and very much look forward to working toward its success.”
“This partnership will greatly strengthen the educational opportunities in the region for port operations,” said Erica Simmons, executive director of CMU. “We look forward to working together to develop innovative technical training programs for national and international participants.”
A ceremonial letter signing will take place at TOC Americas, Tue., Nov. 13, 2018, at the Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis, in Panama.
Juan Carlos Croston, president of Caribbean Shipping Association and vice president of marketing and corporate affairs for MIT and esteemed guest and Minister of Maritime Affairs of the Panama Maritime Association, Mr. Jorge Barakat, will be in attendance to witness this historic event.
About Tideworks Technology
Tideworks is a full-service provider of comprehensive terminal management and planning software solutions for marine and intermodal terminal operators worldwide. The company helps more than 120 facilities run their operations more efficiently and profitably. From optimized equipment utilization to faster turn times, Tideworks works at every step of terminal operations to maximize productivity and customer service. For more information about Tideworks Technology, visit www.tideworks.com.