Professor Captain Zakirul Bhuiyan: A Global Leader in Maritime Simulation and Autonomous Shipping

Professor Captain Zakirul Bhuiyan, MSc, MBA, BSc, PGCE, SFHEA, FNI, FRIN

The Bangladesh maritime community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Captain Zakirul Bhuiyan on the publication of his latest book, The Synergy of People, Voyage Planning and Bridge Resource Management, jointly written with Dr Nadeem Anwar and published by The Nautical Institute. The book is expected to become an important reference for maritime professionals, academics, training providers, and seafarers worldwide, highlighting the critical relationship between human factors, voyage planning, and effective bridge resource management in modern shipping.

Among the distinguished Bangladeshi maritime professionals who have earned international recognition, Professor Captain Zakirul Bhuiyan stands out as a pioneering figure in maritime education, simulation technology, autonomous shipping, and maritime research. His remarkable career spans more than 35 years, including 17 years at sea in worldwide trade and over two decades in higher education, research, and academic leadership.

A graduate of the 23rd Batch of the Bangladesh Marine Academy, Captain Bhuiyan began his maritime career as a deck officer and steadily progressed through the ranks to become a Master Mariner. In 2003, he achieved a significant milestone by taking command of a 171,000-deadweight-ton Capesize bulk carrier operated by Valles Steamship (Canada) Ltd., one of the most sophisticated vessels of its time. His extensive seagoing experience provided a strong foundation in navigation, vessel operations, safety management, and multicultural crew leadership.

Following a teaching appointment at the NAFC Marine Centre in Shetland, Scotland, he joined the renowned Warsash Maritime School of Southampton Solent University in 2006. Since then, he has played a transformative role in maritime education and professional training. Today, he serves as Deputy Dean (Research and Knowledge Exchange) in the School of Technology and Maritime Industries at Solent University, Founding Director of the Warsash Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Research Centre, and Head of Maritime Simulation.

Professor Bhuiyan is widely recognised as one of the maritime sector’s leading authorities on maritime education, simulation-based learning and pedagogy, autonomous shipping, e-navigation, smart ships, smart ports, and maritime digitalisation. As Principal Investigator and research leader, he has secured and managed major international projects funded by the European Union, Horizon Europe, and Innovate UK, including SEAGUARD, MAXCMAS, Sea Traffic Management (STM), MariEMS, VR Emergency @ Sea, IGNITE, and Wightlink FastCat. These initiatives have contributed significantly to advancements in autonomous navigation, maritime digitalisation, energy efficiency, simulation-based training, and maritime decarbonisation.

His contributions extend far beyond academia into international policy and regulatory development. Through his engagement with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) Sub-Committee and various international working groups, he has contributed to discussions shaping future standards for maritime education, training, e-navigation, and Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). He is actively involved in European and global maritime research networks supporting the industry’s transition towards digitalisation and the IMO’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions.

A Senior Fellow of Advance HE (UK) and Fellow of both The Nautical Institute and the Royal Institute of Navigation, Professor Bhuiyan has authored influential journal papers, books, book chapters, industry guidance documents, policy papers, and conference proceedings. His research on autonomous vessel navigation, bridge simulation, human factors, maritime safety, and maritime education has attracted international recognition, with his publications receiving hundreds of citations worldwide. His work has helped shape global discussions on autonomous shipping, simulation-based training, and the future skills required for next-generation seafarers. Notably, his book chapters on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships have been incorporated into academic programmes at the World Maritime University, reflecting the international impact of his scholarship.

Currently completing doctoral research on autonomous shipping and simulation-based maritime education, Professor Bhuiyan continues to shape the future of the maritime industry through research, innovation, and leadership. He is a frequent keynote speaker at major international conferences and forums across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. His presentations on autonomous shipping, maritime simulation, digital transformation, and sustainable shipping have influenced both industry practitioners and policymakers worldwide.

Beyond academia, his public engagement includes contributions to Channel 5’s Coastguard SOS, the documentary series The Bermuda Triangle Enigma, and interviews with national and international media, reinforcing his reputation as a trusted voice in maritime innovation, safety, and technological advancement.

As the maritime sector navigates the challenges of autonomy, digitalisation, sustainability, and decarbonisation, Professor Captain Zakirul Bhuiyan remains at the forefront of global maritime innovation. His achievements as a mariner, educator, academic leader, researcher, and international thought leader continue to inspire the next generation of maritime professionals. For the Bangladesh maritime community, he stands as a shining example of how dedication, expertise, and visionary leadership can achieve worldwide recognition while making a lasting contribution to the future of global shipping.

1. 

   C. F. Zaman says:

   June 12, 2026 at 11:37 pm

   This is really inspiring. My heartfelt congratulations.

   reply