From Vision to Reality: Two Decades of Maritime Evolution

MARITIME INNOVATORS was officially founded in 2017, but its roots trace back to 2003 through the early career and pioneering efforts of its founder, Ugurcan Acar. Driven by a vision to modernize maritime education and enhance the professional lives of seafarers, the foundation of the company was laid through practical experiments, educational trials, and deep involvement in international maritime initiatives.

The Early Experiments (2003–2017)

Before officially establishing MARITIME INNOVATORS in 2017, founder Ugurcan Acar spent over a decade laying a strong foundation through academic experiments, practical training, and extensive European project (Leonardo Da Vinci, Erasmus, Erasmus +, Horizon) involvement across Türkiye and the UK. These formative experiences provided the knowledge, skills, and international network that shaped the company’s mission.

2003 – Maritime Education Experiment in Türkiye (TUDEV – Piri Reis University)
Initiated foundational research and training practice in maritime education, focusing on classroom-to-sea learning integration in Turkish maritime academies.

2008 – Certification of Officer of the Watch Experiment in Türkiye (Gemi Adamları Sınav Merkezi)
Undertook personal and institutional experiments related to the Officer of the Watch (OOW) certification process, examining gaps in practical competence and regulatory interpretation.

2008 – Maritime Education Experiment in the UK (The University of Plymouth and Maritime Coastguard Agency)
Explored academic frameworks and training methodologies while studying and working in the UK, benchmarking maritime education against international standards. UK seafarers certification system was researched, studied and experimented. 2010 – Mentoring Seagoing Students in the UK (MAREDU)
Initiated informal mentoring systems for Turkish and international students pursuing maritime careers in the UK, focusing on experiential learning and real-world readiness.

2008–2015 – European Projects: Development, Management, and Writing
This period marked a prolific involvement in EU-funded initiatives, acting as writer, coordinator, or partner in various pioneering Erasmus+ and Leonardo da Vinci projects, including:

  • E-GMDSSVET (2008–2010): Online GMDSS Learning – egmdss.com
  • M’aider (2009–2011): Maritime Aid for Emergency Response – maider.pro
  • SURPASS (2009–2012): Ship Automation Training – surpass.pro
  • MarTEL Plus (2010–2012): Maritime English Testing – martel.pro
  • UniMET (2010–2012): Harmonized MET Programmes – unimet.pro
  • CAPTAINS (2010–2012): Maritime English Learning – captains.pro
  • SAIL AHEAD (2011–2013): Onshore Career Paths for Captains – sailahead.eu
  • IMPACT (2012–2013): Maritime Training Platform – maritimetraining.pro
  • Getafix (2011–2013): Rules for Small Commercial Vessels – getafix.eu
  • TRECVET (2011–2013): Competency Comparison Tool – trecvet.eu
  • BRIDGE (2012–2014): Chambers of Shipping & VET – projectbridge.eu
  • ACTs (2013–2015): Avoiding Collisions at Sea – ecolregs.com
  • SeaTALK (2013–2015): Maritime English Online Course – seatalk.pro
  • NEO-COL (2017–2019): Focused on integrating electronic navigation tools into ColRegs training. neo-col.eu
  • SeaMAP (2018–2020): Mapped maritime career paths and promoted entrepreneurship in maritime VET. projectseamap.com

These pioneering initiatives helped establish a deep understanding of maritime education policy, training technology, international collaboration, and digital innovation, core principles that MARITIME INNOVATORS carries into every project today.

Launching MARITIME INNOVATORS (2017)

With a wealth of experience and a network of EU partners, MARITIME INNOVATORS was formally established in 2017, immediately becoming active in European-funded projects aimed at closing the skills gap in maritime education and training.

Innovation Through EU Projects (2017–2024)

The company rapidly expanded its impact through major ERASMUS+ projects:

2019–2021: PraC-MARENG
Created tailored maritime English training for different vessel roles and ranks.

2021–2023: SeaSAFER & ENDORSEME
Developed simulation-based safety training and tools for mutual certificate recognition across borders.

2021–2023: SEA MENTORS
Fostered mentorship and knowledge transfer between experienced seafarers and newcomers.

2024–2026: SEA4SHORE (Ongoing)
Aims to build bridges between sea-based experience and shore-based career opportunities with a digital competency mapping tool.

These initiatives have positioned MARITIME INNOVATORS as a leading authority in maritime digital learning, regulatory harmonization, and human-centric seafarer development.

Toward 2050: Digital, Inclusive, Resilient

Looking ahead, our trajectory aligns with European priorities in maritime sector:

  • Innovation
  • Digital transformation of society
  • Resilience against crises
  • Better-equipped and mobile European citizens

Our long-term vision is to become a strategic actor in harmonizing maritime education and labor mobility, integrating shore and sea, digital and human, local and global.

Our Legacy and Future

With over two decades of maritime research, training, and international collaboration, MARITIME INNOVATORS is not just a company – it is a movement to redefine seafarer potential and maritime learning for the 21st century.