On June 23, 2026, a delegation from Harbin Engineering University (HEU), one of China’s leading engineering higher education institutions, visited the Azerbaijan State Maritime Academy (ASMA).
According to sea-news.az founded in 1953, HEU is one of the prestigious higher education institutions specializing in shipbuilding, marine engineering, ocean technology, artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and other engineering disciplines.
The delegation included Ding Xin, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Department; Professor Wang Yuanhui, Deputy Director of the Institute of Intelligent Technologies; Zhang Xiaoyue, Assistant to the Deputy Director for Scientific and Technological Affairs at the Artificial Intelligence College; and Yu Lingzhou, Secretary of the International Conference Organizing Committee.
The meeting was opened by Eldar Gojayev, Acting Rector and Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs and International Relations of ASMA, who welcomed the guests and introduced the Academy’s staff. Subsequently, a promotional video of ASMA was screened, and a comprehensive presentation on the Academy’s activities, educational opportunities, and directions of international cooperation was delivered to the guests.
After introducing the delegation members, Ding Xin provided detailed information about the history, campuses, institutes, international relations, and modern infrastructure of Harbin Engineering University.
During the meeting, cooperation opportunities between the parties were discussed. Ding Xin initiated a proposal to establish the “International Academic Alliance for Special Ships and Intelligent Systems” with the aim of promoting high-quality international exchange and cooperation, bringing together entities and experts active in this field, forming an international academic community, and improving global technological standards in the design, research, and development of specialized vessels.
It was noted that within the framework of the Alliance, activities can be carried out in the directions of academic exchanges, scientific research cooperation, joint specialist training, strategic consultancy services, joint publication of scientific works, organization of international conferences and forums, establishment of joint laboratories and technological innovation centers, as well as the promotion of industrial cooperation. Emphasizing that the operations of the Alliance are directly related to the Caspian Sea, Ding Xin stated that Azerbaijan could play a vital role as a major hub in this context.
The proposal was warmly received by the ASMA management. Subsequently, the charter of the Alliance was discussed, and the ASMA delegation was invited to the city of Harbin, China, in August for the signing of the document.
A draft bilateral memorandum of understanding between ASMA and HEU was discussed, and it was agreed to be signed in Harbin this August.
Furthermore, Ding Xin expressed their desire to see representatives of Azerbaijan’s partner entities operating in the maritime field among the participants of the international conference to be held in China in November-December.
In his speech, Professor Wang Yuanhui, Deputy Director of the Institute of Intelligent Technologies at Harbin Engineering University, stated their interest in cooperating with ASMA in promising directions such as green technologies, intelligent systems, polar operations, smart ships, deep-sea research, and navigation safety in shipping. He emphasized that both higher education institutions could organize joint scientific conferences and symposia, and that implementing faculty and student exchanges, as well as collaborative activities on innovative and intelligent projects, would make a significant contribution to the development of cooperation.
At the end of the meeting, commemorative gifts were exchanged between the parties. Afterwards, the delegation familiarized themselves with the Academy’s educational and training infrastructure, modern simulators, laboratories, and lecture halls.
The visit program continued at the “Surakhani” Ship Museum. The guests were provided with an opportunity to closely familiarize themselves with Azerbaijan’s rich maritime history and cultural heritage.
