James Cook University will offer aspiring maritime engineers the chance to begin their degree in Cairns from 2027 through a new partnership with the University of Tasmania's renowned Australian Maritime College (AMC) .
The new Maritime Engineering major will allow students to complete their first two years at JCU's Cairns Nguma-Bada campus before transferring to the AMC in Launceston for the final two years of their specialist degree.
Graduates will be equipped for careers across a growing maritime sector, including naval architecture, ocean engineering, defence, marine surveying, offshore energy, commercial shipping and marine infrastructure.
JCU Head of Engineering Professor Bouchra Senadji said the new offering was a natural addition to JCU's growing engineering portfolio and would help meet the needs of Cairns and North Queensland's booming maritime industry.
"Maritime engineering is a natural fit for Cairns and Far North Queensland," Professor Senadji said.
"Cairns is a strategic maritime hub for northern Australia, but many local students interested in the field currently must leave the region to study.
"This partnership means they can start their degree at JCU, stay close to home for two years, then specialise at one of Australia's leading maritime institutions."
Students will complete JCU's common first year of engineering before undertaking a second year aligned with mechanical engineering. They will then transfer to the AMC to specialise in maritime engineering, with access to specialist facilities and expertise.
Professor Senadji said the partnership would combine JCU's strengths in regional engineering education with the AMC's specialist maritime capabilities.
"We can provide the first two years here at JCU, then students can move to Tasmania for the specialist training before returning to Far North Queensland," she said.
The pathway will also connect students with local industry from the beginning of their studies, with opportunities for projects linked to maritime engineering challenges across the region.
"This is good for the maritime industry because students can work on projects linked to Cairns and Far North Queensland," Professor Senadji said.
Professor Senadji said the new major reflected JCU's commitment to expanding engineering education to meet the region's future workforce needs.
"It is a strategically important addition to JCU's engineering offering," she said.
"We want to give students more opportunities to study engineering in Far North Queensland, while building the skills the region will need into the future."
The Maritime Engineering major will commence at JCU's Cairns campus in 2027, with students completing Years 1 and 2 at JCU before transferring to the Australian Maritime College for Years 3 and 4.
AMC Principal Mal Wise AM said it was an exciting partnership with JCU, which would create opportunities for aspiring engineers from North Queensland to work in the maritime industry in Cairns.
"As the national provider of maritime engineers, our study program with JCU opens a regional pathway for North Queensland students and helps meet the workforce demands of Australia's Defence and Maritime industries," he said.
JCU also offers other engineering majors based in Cairns including Electrical and Electronics, Electronic Systems and the Internet of Things, Mechanical and now Maritime as part of the Bachelor of Engineering.
