Within the framework of the commemorative activities of the ninetieth anniversary of the Naval Cadet School Almirante Padilla - ENAP, on May 29 and 30, 2025, the International Symposium Science, Education and Maritime Development 90 years Sailing towards Knowledge was held an academic meeting to share knowledge, experiences, proposals, scientific and technological that seek to promote the protection, development and sustainable use of the oceans and coastal spaces.
The opening ceremony was presided over by the Chief of Naval Staff of the Colombian Navy, Vice Admiral Rafael Arturo Aranguren Devia, together with the President of the Science and Technology Corporation for the Maritime and River Naval Industry – Cotecmar, Vice Admiral Luis Fernando Márquez Velosa; the Head of the Maritime and River Interests Directorate, Rear Admiral Hermann Aicardo León Rincón; the director of the ENAP, Rear Admiral John Henry Ruiz Murcia; the President of the Port of Cartagena Group, Frigate Captain of the Alfonso Salas Reserve, and the General Secretary of the Association of Universities of Colombia – Ascun, Elizabeth Bernal Gamboa.
The event, which takes place in two activities, includes keynote lectures and discussions on three thematic axes: education, maritime science and technology, maritime development and security and defense
The Chief of the Naval Staff of the Colombian Navy highlighted the role that ENAP has played for 90 years as a benchmark for the training of academic leaders in issues of education and maritime naval technology. "We continue to focus on maritime security, protecting territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone of a country; in the fight against instability factors such as drug trafficking, border control, coastal security, development; in safeguarding Navy life and at sea. All this to ensure and protect the sovereignty and security of the country, contributing to the stability and development of the region,” he added.
On the first day of the symposium, the lectures: Impact of Ports in the framework of Foreign Trade and the National Economy, Galleon San José: Submerged Cultural Heritage of Colombians, Naval Operations in search and rescue, and Closing gaps in naval design and construction in Colombia: the case of Oceanic Patrol Ship Colombia were presented.
On the other hand, members of the different research centers of the ENAP, shared progresses from their undergraduate works, conducted in the different areas of naval, maritime, river and ports knowledge, through a posters session.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
