(NEWS) WMU Alumnus Receives RINA Ian Telfer Prize

April

2021

WMU Alumnus Receives RINA Ian Telfer Prize

The World Maritime University (WMU) is pleased to announce that WMU Alumnus, Mr Eko Maja Priyanto from Indonesia (MSc 2017), has been awarded the Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA) Ian Telfer Prize for the best published paper on energy and environment related issues by an author under the age of 35. The paper resulted from Mr Priyanto’s MSc dissertation under the supervision of Professor Aykut I. Ölcer.

The paper, entitled The Potential of Methanol as an Alternative Marine Fuel for Indonesian Domestic Shipping, was published in the Transactions of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (Ref IJME590). WMU co-authors include Professor Aykut I. Ölcer, Associate Professor Dimitrios Dalaklis, and Assistant Professor Fabio Ballini. The analysis aims to provide insight to the future usage of methanol as well as an alternative marine fuel for domestic ships in Indonesia. The analysis also includes an overview of the potential application, the availability of resources and stakeholder readiness. The potential performance of methanol as a fuel is discussed and evaluated through the shipowner and government perspectives as well as case studies of two passenger ships. The feasibility study also includes a scenario approach based on the combination of economic measures as well as a technical scenario. Short, medium, and long term recommendations have been made as the basis for future consideration.

Mr Priyanto graduated from WMU in 2017 with an MSc in Maritime Affairs, specializing in Maritime Energy Management (MEM). He is employed by Indonesia Classification Societies (PT. Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia) and received his fellowship to study at WMU from the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. In responding to receiving the award, he stated “Nothing is easy, particularly for developing countries in the current maritime world situation. They are faced with stringent maritime regulations and depletion of petroleum-based fuel resources. Breakthrough solutions need to be developed. I was fortunate to study at WMU in the MEM Specialization at a pivotal time and return to my home country with the knowledge to contribute to change. This paper is one contribution from me and my co-authors, and it is my hope that my contribution will encourage others to work towards an attainable sustainable maritime future."

Dr. Ölcer, Head of the Maritime Energy Management specialization and co-author said, “ I am overjoyed with this well-deserved achievement for Mr Priyanto, and congratulate him on this prestigious award. He exhibited great passion and dedication during his studies in the MEM Specialization at WMU. I am proud to see his contribution to achieving decarbonization of international shipping in line with the UN SDGs 7 and 13. This award is an outstanding example of the impact WMU has within the context of capacity building. I believe that this success will continue to inspire Mr Priyanto and others in the years to come in addressing the critical issue of decarbonization.”

WMU is at the forefront of MEM education and research. Since 2016, WMU has offered a MEM specialization within the Master of Science in Maritime Affairs programme, and in 2018 launched a new postgraduate diploma programme in MEM by distance learning. MEM is also a WMU Research Priority Area (RPA) that examines issues raised in respect to energy management with a view to reducing air pollution and generating and consuming energy in a sustainable manner to achieve a low/zero carbon and energy efficient maritime future.

To learn more about WMU’s educational offerings, research, and commitment to MEM, click here.

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