2026 New Year Address of Dalian Maritime University

Unfinished Splendor, Setting Sail for a New Voyage

Dear faculty and staff members, retired colleagues, alumni, and friends,

Happy New Year!

As the year draws to a close and a new chapter unfolds, on behalf of Dalian Maritime University, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to all faculty and staff who have worked diligently, to our retired colleagues, to alumni at home and abroad, and to friends from all walks of life who have long cared for and supported the development of the University.

In 2025, we advanced in step with national development and moved forward alongside the tides of the times. Over the past year, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and with the strong leadership of the Party Leadership Group of the Ministry of Transport, all members of the DMU community pressed ahead through challenges, achieved breakthroughs through reform, and forged progress through dedicated efforts. With firm and steady strides, we have left solid footprints on the journey toward building a top-tier, world-class research-oriented maritime university.

This year, we held firmly to the right course, further strengthening the foundation of our ideals and convictions. We thoroughly studied and implemented the guiding principles of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and steadily carried out in-depth education on implementing the Central Government’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Party and Government Conduct. Liu Wei, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Minister of Transport, visited the University for research and guidance, helping to anchor our development goal of building a top-tier, world-class research-oriented maritime university. We scientifically formulated the 15th Five-Year Development Plan, completed all tasks of the new appointment term with high quality, continuously optimized the structure of the cadre team, and steadily improved the governance system, thereby pooling strong momentum for institutional development.

This year, we pressed ahead with pioneering efforts, further reinforcing the foundation of moral education and talent cultivation. The University has been selected as a national pilot institution for the comprehensive reform of mechanisms for cultivating virtue and nurturing talent. For seven consecutive years, DMU has secured approval for National Exemplary Projects of Morals and Ethics Education in Institutions of Higher Learning, and was approved as a National Comprehensive Educational Practice and Experiential Learning Base. Admission to navigation-related majors became more competitive, with the average lowest accepted provincial rank rising by 14%, and the number of enrolled postgraduate students exceeded 10,000. DMU students have fully embraced the University’s philosophy of learning, achieving outstanding results in academic competitions and innovation and entrepreneurship contests, and demonstrating responsibility and commitment through volunteer services and social practices. Their comprehensive qualities and patriotism continue to shine through the trials of the times.

This year, we strengthened our foundations, further consolidating the roots of disciplinary and program development. We systematically planned actions for discipline development and issued the Three-Year Action Plan for Discipline Development of Dalian Maritime University (2025—2027). New first-level master’s degree programs in Intelligent Science and Technology and Philosophy were established, and an independently configured interdisciplinary field of Low-Altitude Technology and Engineering was launched, forming a comprehensive maritime industry service system characterized by “ships as the core with integrated air-sea coordination.” An innovative joint bachelor’s degree program in Law + Accounting was introduced; an experimental program for cultivating talents for international maritime-related organizations was established; and 12 courses were selected for the Third Batch of National First-Class Undergraduate Courses.

This year, we upheld integrity and fostered innovation, further energizing scientific research. The University has secured 124 national-level research projects, including 16 major and key projects. In serving national strategies, DMU has been recognized as an Outstanding Unit for Pilot Achievements in Building China into a Transportation Power, and completed two outstanding tasks. By deeply integrating into regional development, the University fully implemented measures aligned with the Three-Year Action Plan for New Breakthroughs in Liaoning Revitalization, winning three First Prizes and three Second Prizes of the 2024 Liaoning Provincial Science and Technology Awards. Landmark achievements such as the intelligent upgrade of the “Xinhongzhuan” training vessel and the deep-sea deployment of underwater robots were featured three times on China Central Television’s News. Think tank development achieved new progress, with the University deeply involved throughout the revision and deliberation of the Maritime Law of the People’s Republic of China, contributing DMU expertise to the high-quality development of maritime rule of law.

This year, we pursued both talent introduction and cultivation, further strengthening the momentum of building the University through talent. We comprehensively advanced the Talent First Initiative and implemented the “Yihai” Distinguished Appointment Program, accelerating the gathering of high-level talents. New breakthroughs were achieved in talent development: six faculty members were selected for national major talent programs; nine were selected for the Xingliao Talent Program; two were selected for the 10th Youth Talent Support Program of the China Association for Science and Technology; and six were selected for the First Youth Science and Technology Talent Support Program of Liaoning Province. Numerous faculty members and teams received national-level honors, while a cohort of high-level talents and outstanding young scholars joined DMU, injecting sustained vitality into the University’s development.

This year, we looked to the world, further broadening the path of win-win cooperation. The University actively participated in global maritime education governance and formally assumed the presidency of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU). The training vessel “Yukun” set sail once again, making China’s voice in maritime education clearer and more compelling on the international stage. Cooperation among universities, local governments, and enterprises continued to deepen, further expanding the framework of open education. Alumni bonds transcended mountains and seas, and social support converged into a powerful force, jointly forming a solid foundation and expansive platform for the University’s development.

This year, we worked in unity, making the campus a more pleasant living and learning environment. The University successfully passed the re-evaluation for National Civilized Campus status. Indoor sports facilities and lighthouse landscape projects were completed, the Ling Shui River area was illuminated and beautified, educational and teaching facilities continued to improve, smart campus construction advanced steadily, and logistical support and services were further strengthened. The development of a safe, green, and culturally vibrant campus has taken deeper root, continuously enhancing the sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security among faculty and students.

As the old year unfolds in splendid layers, the new year beckons us to scale greater heights. 2026 marks the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan and a pivotal year as the University embarks on a new journey. Ahead lies a vast blue dream, and beneath our feet stretches a hopeful new voyage. Standing at this new starting point, let us join hands, remain focused, and move resolutely toward the sea. With greater resolve, a more pragmatic approach, and more innovative thinking, let us steady the helm of our ideals, hoist the sails of hard work, and unite the power of wisdom as we courageously press forward toward the goal of building a top-tier, world-class research-oriented maritime university, riding the waves and forging ahead with unwavering determination.

May our great motherland enjoy prosperity and lasting peace. May Dalian Maritime University continue to write new chapters of excellence and achieve even greater glory. May all members of the DMU community enjoy a happy New Year and every success in the year ahead!

Xu Minqiang

Party Secretary

Shan Hongjun

President

December 31, 2025