Next Chapter In AET–TAMU-G Partnership Brings Opportunities for Future Mariners

Member Updates,

Jason Tieman, Kelsey Lindner, Annette Forst, Capt. Peter Liew, Col. Michael Fossum, Emily Ford, Anna Hyatt celebrated the scholarship agreement on campus. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M-Galveston.

Texas A&M University and AET have entered into a two-year cooperative agreement, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing maritime education and training marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding ("MOU").

The MOU is the first formalized corporate agreement of its kind, specifically designed to benefit programs at the Galveston Campus, and expresses both parties’ desire to collaborate in driving the blue economy by developing talent for the maritime industry. The initiative builds on AET’s long-standing partnership with Texas A&M University at Galveston, first established in 2021.

“This partnership holds special significance for us,” said Capt. Peter Liew, AET’s global director, commercial. “AET was founded over 30 years ago in Houston and today, Houston and Galveston remain core operating hubs for our commercial activities and Atlantic fleet management as well as our global ship-to-ship lightering support activities. Through #AETcares, we are committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate, and this collaboration is one way we’re investing in long-term talent, safety and capability in our industry.”

AET is a leading global owner and operator of maritime transportation assets and specialized services, committed to moving energy safely, responsibly, with lower emissions. The company is also a long-time ally of the Galveston Campus, supporting the campus’ students, career fairs, educational resources and more.

In May, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved the naming of one of the campus’ laboratory spaces as the AET Tanker Simulation Laboratory, a dedicated training space made possible by AET’s sponsorship via the Texas A&M Foundation.

Most recently, the Texas A&M Foundation and AET celebrated the signing of a new scholarship agreement for eight students on summer sea term, four from the campus’ marine transportation degree program and four from the marine engineering technology degree program.

“AET has been a significant partner to the campus, and we are thrilled to establish an official working agreement and for their continued support,” said Anna Hyatt, Texas A&M Foundation’s assistant director of Corporate Relations and Foundations Engagement. “Scholarships, training facilities and programming support make a tangible difference in the lives of our students and continue our mission to support the blue economy.”