(NEWS) National Maritime Transport Policy Workshop Delivered in Belize

June

2023

National Maritime Transport Policy Workshop Delivered in Belize

From 23-25 May, the World Maritime University (WMU) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) partnered on delivering an Introduction to the National Maritime Transport Policy (NMTP) workshop in Belize. The NMTP concept is being promoted by the IMO as a good governance practice to guide planning, decision-making and legislation in the maritime sector and as a key driver for a country's sustainable development.

The workshop brought together some 30 strategy officials from Belize representing various government Ministries and related agencies, along with other stakeholders from the maritime sector. The aim of the event, held in Belize City, was dual. First, to assist the established Maritime Technical Committee in its mandate to formulate a national maritime policy. Second, to advance the understanding of key issues in maritime transport policy. The benefits of good governance practice were stressed as a way of guiding planning, decision making and legislation in the maritime sector - a key driver for a country’s sustainable development.

WMU was represented by Professor George Theocharidis and Professor Henning Jessen. IMO was represented by Mr Jonathan Pace, Chief of the Subdivision for Programme Management and Coordination Technical Cooperation Division. The workshop was delivered by IMO and WMU, within the framework of the IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) and with generous funding from the Government of Malaysia.

IMO and WMU have cooperated on the delivery of NMTP Training Packages to several countries since 2016, including Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chile, Fiji, Georgia, Ghana, Kenya, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Seychelles, St Kitts and Nevis, Singapore, St Lucia, Suriname, Thailand and Timor-Leste. WMU’s delivery of the programme reflects its capacity-building mission and a commitment to the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, in particular, Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development and Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Find out more about the National Maritime Transport Policy concept, what it is and how it works, by watching IMO’s NMTP video, here.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

My decision to enroll in the doctoral program at WMU was heavily influenced by my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initially introduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education, WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional quality of education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became a compelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student. Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutional offerings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at this esteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with my academic and professional goals.

My research explored the theoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis on maritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the study conducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritime governance—specifically, the implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affect the implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, the research aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmly anchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling the intricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMO instruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivated by a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies in maritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of a scarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in the existing body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration, underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area of maritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarly research.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of my educational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections with influential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of the globe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an international scale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also served as a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding of different perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantly to my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networking and has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within the Caribbean region from which I hail.

Embarking on my professional path, my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritime governance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the global maritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by a passionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritime domain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly to positive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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