Record applications for maritime education in Denmark

A surge in first-choice applications has hit maritime programmes at MARTEC in Frederikshavn, according to a report by Danish broadcaster DR.

Pia Ankerstjerne, director of MARTEC, called the trend “very positive,” noting strong demand from the maritime industry and shipping companies for new graduates. The need for skilled labour is rising as Denmark builds new environmental, surveillance, and naval vessels, many of which will be assembled in Frederikshavn.

Growth is particularly strong in professional bachelor programmes for marine engineers and shipmasters, as well as the naval architecture and marine engineering programme offered in partnership with the Technical University of Denmark. Navigation and ship assistant programmes in Skagen are also seeing healthy demand, despite a declining youth population in North Jutland.

Ankerstjerne said MARTEC expects to accommodate all qualified applicants, though capacity is nearing its limit. She also highlighted sustained interest in voyages aboard the training ship Danmark, which serves as a pipeline to higher maritime education.

Most programmes at MARTEC begin on 10 August.