On December 14th 2016, a Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement was signed between OffshoreTech LLC and Shanghai Maritime University (SMU). The conferral ceremony for Visiting Professor Jim Li was held at the university, where both parties jointly unveiled the nameplates of the China-USA Joint Research Center for Offshore Technology and Industry Academic Research Collaboration base for Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering.

Dr. Jin Yongxing, Chairman of the University Council, stated that the agreement was a win-win strategy for SMU and OTL , as it not only helps SMU strengthen its offshore engineering research and education capabilities, but also helps SMU to realize its mission of training excellent students.

OTL's president, Jim Li, commented that this agreement provided an opportunity for both parties to play to their strengths in the areas of research and industry, and hoped that both sides would take this opportunity to expand fields of cooperation in order to achieve fruitful collaboration.

After the ceremony, Visiting Professor Li delivered a lecture entitled "General Introduction to TLP Platforms" which was warmly received by the SMU faculty and students, sparking discussion and interaction.