New initiative aims to tackle rising demands on the shipping sector while strengthening the maritime workforce. / A groundbreaking initiative led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) aims to address the global seafarer shortage while creating career opportunities for aspiring seafarers from developing nations. The NextWave Seafarers Project was formally launched with the signing of a Letter of Agreement between Mr. Kamal M. Al Junaidi, Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the International Maritime Organization and Mr. Jose Matheickal, Director of the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division (TCID) of IMO. / (....)