(NEWS) Registrar for International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea Lectures for WMU

April

2021

Registrar for International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea Lectures for WMU

Ms Ximena Hinrichs Oyarce, Registrar of the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), recently lectured for students in the Maritime Law & Policy specialization. Ms Hinrichs’ lecture complemented the core instruction by resident faculty for the Law of the Sea and Protection of the Marine Environment course.

The specific focus of her lecture was ITLOS and the dispute settlement mechanism under Part XV of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) related to the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes. In the first part of the lecture, she gave an overview on the development of Part XV including its main features, operation, procedures, and the `Montreux compromise.' She utilized cases dealt with by the Tribunal to highlight the challenges to the system created by the Convention. For the second part of the lecture, she emphasized Art 292 related to the prompt release of vessels and crews.

Ms Hinrichs Oyarce began her career at the International Maritime Organization in 1995, moving to the Legal Office of the Tribunal in 1997. She served as Senior Legal Officer/Head of Legal Office from 2013 until her election as Deputy Registrar in 2017. Ms Hinrichs Oyarce was elected as the Registrar of the Tribunal in September 2019.

The Malmö MSc in Maritime Affairs is a 14-month programme with seven specializations: Maritime Education & Training; Maritime Energy Management; Maritime Law & Policy; Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration; Ocean Sustainability, Governance and Management; Port Management, and Shipping Management & Logistics. Foundation studies are taught in the first term and cover the introductory knowledge that is fundamental to all activities in the maritime field. Three successive terms focus on specialization studies and a dissertation. WMU has more than 150 Visiting Lecturers annually from around the world who contribute their expertise to enrich the education of WMU students.

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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.

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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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