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In a significant move to bolster Puerto Rico’s transportation and logistics sector, the Saltchuk Group has announced partnerships with the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (RUM by its acronym in Spanish) and Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR).
The collaborations aim to establish programs focused on talent development and industry-specific education, according to Marine Log.
Saltchuk subsidiaries – TOTE Maritime, Tropical Shipping, Puerto Rico Terminals, Aqua Gulf, and StratAir – play a crucial role in the island’s supply chain and global trade connections.
Through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with RUM, Saltchuk will help establish the Caribbean’s first Center of Excellence for Transportation and Logistics (CETL). The center’s aim will be to develop academic programs, facilitate applied research, and foster industry partnerships, thereby ultimately strengthening the region’s talent pipeline.
“We recognized a need to create an opportunity for Puerto Ricans to pursue a graduate degree in Transportation and Logistics within Puerto Rico, and we identified [RUM] as the leading institution that can make this happen,” said Mark Tabbutt, chairman of Saltchuk. “The enthusiasm and vision at [RUM] made our commitment an easy decision.”
Moreover, Saltchuk has partnered with PUPR to launch a Talent Development Program designed to equip students and professionals with specialized skills required for careers in transportation and logistics. The program will commence this year, enhancing the PUPR’s existing supply chain and logistics associate degree through targeted training, internships, certifications and apprenticeships.
With an initial investment of $200,000 and potential additional funding over 10 years, Saltchuk aims to empower a new generation of professionals, benefiting individuals, businesses and Puerto Rico’s economic development.
