The transport and logistics industry is under increasing pressure to provide sustainable solutions to global challenges such as climate change. To meet this demand, the industry can now rely upon the joint Center of Excellence of Antwerp Management School (AMS) and the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Antwerp. More than ever before, Antwerp will thus become the hub of top-notch academic research and future-proof master's programs on supply chain, transport and logistics.

AMS and the Center for Maritime and Air Transport (C-MAT) of the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Antwerp complement each other perfectly, in terms of topics, approach and network. Thus, C-MAT offers a Master of Science in Maritime and Air Transport Management, while AMS offers short-term master classes and a master's degree in Global Supply Chain Management. Together, both institutions have a varied research portfolio in transport and logistics, from basic to applied research. Add to this their international networks and their ties with the ecosystem around the Port of Antwerp, and the picture is clear.

The first result of this collaboration is the integration of the Master of Science in Maritime and Air Transport Management in the specialized master after master portfolio of AMS. Koen Vandenbempt, dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Antwerp, outlines the added value: "At C-MAT we will continue to underpin the program with our internationally recognized academic knowledge. Introducing this program into the highly internationally oriented master after master portfolio of AMS will enable us to take the next step in C-MAT’s expansion. The integration provides the perfect combination of academic research and business practice, and is enabled by our shared vision on sustainability, personal development and societal consciousness. In this way we can continue to deliver future leaders and thinkers in supply chain, transportation and logistics.”

Steven De Haes, dean of Antwerp Management School, also strongly believes in the synergy: "Thanks to our complementary strengths, we are able to present a top-notch offer to students, alumni and companies. With this joint Center of Excellence, we will not only become the local ecosystem’s obvious knowledge partner, but we will strengthen our position as a global leader in research and education in the fields of supply chain, transportation and logistics."

The industry as well, is looking forward to this combining of strengths. Rob Harrison, CEO of DP World Antwerp, leading stevedore in the Port of Antwerp, points out the importance of interaction between the academic and business world: "At DP World Antwerp we want to continue to make a difference for our customers, our employees and society as a whole. This can only be done by focusing on sustainability and innovation. With the Center of Excellence, we now have a strong knowledge partner in this. They introduce academic knowledge into the business world, develop their research based on our needs and experiences, and ensure a valuable inflow of young, visionary top talents into the industry. Thanks to this kind of synergy, we can remain global players."

The team of the Center of Excellence of Antwerp Management School and the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Antwerp

More information about the Master of Science in Maritime and Air Transport Management is available here.