Ceremonial Opening of the Academic Year at the Le Havre Campus!

On September 2, first-year students enrolled in the International Watchkeeping Officer – Captain 3000 programme, as well as fourth-year students in the polyvalent officer programme, officially began their academic year.

Véronika Rous welcomed the new students to ENSM. By choosing to join the School, they have chosen a profession rich in adventure, one that will take them to every corner of the world. The Campus Director also welcomed them to Le Havre. This city, with all its many assets, will fuel their curiosity, broaden their horizons and enrich their personal and professional journeys.

François Lambert, Director General of ENSM, then shared some advice with the students, focusing on integrity, competence, life on board, commitment and attendance at examinations. He reminded them that the 1,412 students trained at ENSM are fortunate. Throughout their studies, they should remember that many young people would love to be in their position.

In his speech, he emphasised the School’s decisive efforts to create an environment where people feel free to speak up: no profession is off-limits to women, and this is especially true in the merchant navy. The Director General concluded by stressing the importance of supporting the School’s public-service model, while congratulating the officer cadets on embarking on such a demanding career. “I have confidence in you, in the young generation you represent, in the way the School operates and in its teaching staff.”

Frédéric Moncany de Saint-Aignan, Chairman of the ENSM Board of Directors, thanked François Lambert and praised his work over the past four years, highlighting the progress that has been made. He then addressed the students directly. Awareness of the importance of the officer’s profession is growing, particularly in today’s geopolitical context. Students should be proud of this responsibility, but they must also work to be worthy of the trust placed in them. “Have fun while building your future.”

Mario Stasi, Guest of Honour and President of the International League Against Racism and Antisemitism (LICRA), delivered an inaugural lecture that will remain in everyone’s minds, highlighting the shared values of ENSM and LICRA, including open-mindedness, curiosity, intellectual rigour, and respect for people and the environment. Mario Stasi encouraged the students to take an active and committed role in defending the causes and values they will be called upon to uphold. He concluded with a call for optimism, while remaining clear-eyed and courageous.

Augustin Boeuf, Vice-President of Le Havre Seine Métropole in charge of higher education and sport, as well as City Councillor for Le Havre responsible for youth and student life, highlighted the excellence of the School’s programmes and the pride felt across the Le Havre area in having an institution such as ENSM, which helps showcase France on the international stage. By joining the Le Havre campus, home to 15,000 students, future officers have the opportunity to study in one of France’s leading maritime regions, benefiting from its close proximity to maritime, logistics, industrial and port stakeholders.

Florent Saint-Martin, Vice-President of the Département, emphasised that humility lies at the heart of the School’s curriculum. “By learning to master a certain number of tools, to know your ships inside out, to anticipate what might happen at sea, to know how to react and interact with other professions, you learn to draw the very essence from what the sea has to offer. At no point are you taught to tame it.” The sea is part of everyday life in Le Havre: it is at the heart of the city’s identity.

Wishing everyone a great start to the academic year in Le Havre!