World Maritime University was established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization. It is located in Malmö, Sweden with campuses in Shanghai and Dalian, China.
The World Maritime University (WMU) operates under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. WMU thus enjoys the status, privileges and immunities of a UN institution in Sweden.
WMU is truly an organization by and for the international maritime community. Established by an IMO Assembly Resolution in July 1983, its basic aim is to further enhance the objectives and goals of IMO and IMO member states around the world. Since it was founded, over 3,000 students have graduated from WMU. Former alumni have gone on to play leading roles include ministers. Its programs are taught by a small team of full-time faculty supported by a cohort of over 100 guest lecturers, all of them leading experts in their specific fields.