(NEWS) WMU-Koji Sekimizu PhD Fellowship on Maritime Governance

June

2019

WMU-Koji Sekimizu PhD Fellowship on Maritime Governance

The WMU-Koji Sekimizu PhD Fellowship on Maritime Governance was officially launched on 25 June at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London. Spearheaded by the World Maritime University (WMU) with support from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Dr. Koji Sekimizu, Former Chancellor of WMU and Former IMO Secretary-General, the PhD Fellowship will enable an assessment of the role and impact of maritime governance over the past 60 years. Account will need to be taken of the role of the IMO as well as of relevant United Nations agencies and bodies that have impacted maritime governance.

The launch of the fellowship is in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the IMO Convention in 1948. The IMO Convention entered into force in 1958. As this year is also the 21st anniversary of the IMO-Singapore Memorandum of Understanding on Third Country Training Programme (TCTP), MPA’s support of this fellowship is therefore timely. Since 1998, MPA has been training the international maritime community under the IMO Singapore TCTP. To date, more than 2,000 officials from over 90 countries have been successfully trained under MPA Academy flagship programmes and IMO-Singapore TCTP.

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of WMU, and Dr. Koji Sekimizu, Former Chancellor of WMU and Former IMO Secretary-General

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of WMU, expressed her appreciation to the MPA for funding this fellowship. Dr. Sekimizu served the IMO for 26 years, including four years as the Secretary General of the organization. She noted the importance of the impact that IMO has had over the past 60 years in ensuring that shipping is safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable. She stated, “At WMU, we pride ourselves on educating generations of students at the postgraduate level to be in a position to ensure the uniform application and effective implementation in law and in practice of global shipping instruments adopted by the IMO and other relevant international organizations. This PhD fellowship on maritime governance is timely. It will enable a broad-based assessment of the role and impact of relevant international maritime instruments, with a primary focus on IMO instruments and taking into account the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and relevant instruments of other UN agencies.”

Ms Quah Ley Hoon, MPA’s Chief Executive, said, “MPA is pleased to contribute to the WMU-Koji Sekimizu PhD Fellowship on Maritime Governance programme, under Singapore’s enhanced technical co-operation and training package for the IMO and its Member States. We are confident that in the long run, the programme would reap great dividends in nurturing the next generation skilled maritime professionals who will make significant contributions to the international shipping community.”

About the WMU-Koji Sekimizu PhD Fellowship on Maritime GovernanceOver the last 60 years, IMO has established international regulations and rules for international shipping and in doing so has significantly contributed to creating and maintaining the necessary international legal order for safe, secure, and sustainable shipping. This has benefitted every aspect of our modern lives, from the safe and efficient transportation of goods and materials to environmental standards. Shipping is responsible for more than 80 per cent of world trade which is essential to economic development.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a research proposal and study plan of no more than 2,000 words that would include a review and assessment of the role, development and impact of IMO in the field of maritime governance over the past 60 years taking into account the role of relevant United Nations agencies and bodies. The PhD proposal should aim at analyzing how competing and complementary international, regional interests have influenced maritime governance; how the shipping industry has interacted with the competent international organizations; the impact of the measures taken and their implementation; and the role and impact of IMO in the adoption and effective implementation of global shipping instruments. Due to a technical issue, for which we sincerely apologise, the deadline to apply has been extended to 23:59 CET on 22 September 2019. For more information, click here.

About Dr Koji Sekimizu

After completing his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in engineering at Osaka University, Dr. Koji Sekimizu started his career in Japan’s Ministry of Transport, but subsequently spent 26 years at IMO. His illustrious career included service as Head of the Technology Section, Director of the Marine Environment Division, and Director of Maritime Safety Division. He was elected Secretary-General in 2011 and served as the seventh Secretary-General of IMO from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2015.

Dr. Sekimizu is the fourth Chancellor of WMU and the seventh Secretary-General of the IMO. He took a significant interest in the success and growth of the University during his tenure as Chancellor and visited WMU on numerous occasions inspiring the students and staff with his vision for WMU and dedication to the mission of IMO. He was responsible for establishing a road map for the future of WMU on the basis of the Study on the Financial Sustainability of the University as well as operationalizing the WMU Endowment Fund. At the 2016 WMU Graduation Ceremony, he was awarded Doctor of Science in Maritime Affairs, honoris causa.

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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 influencedby my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initiallyintroduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education,WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional qualityof education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became acompelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student.Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutionalofferings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at thisesteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with myacademic and professional goals.

My research explored thetheoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis onmaritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the studyconducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritimegovernance—specifically, the implementation of International MaritimeOrganization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affectthe implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, theresearch aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmlyanchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling theintricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMOinstruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivatedby a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies inmaritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of ascarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in theexisting body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration,underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area ofmaritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarlyresearch.

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

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

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

The Transition to low and near zero carbon emission ports: Extent and Determinants

The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards

When I made the decision to embark on the journey of pursuing both my MScand PhD degrees, the World Maritime University (WMU) beckoned me for severalcompelling reasons. Foremost among these was WMU's sterling reputation as aworld-class institution within the maritime sphere, a factor that wieldedsignificant influence over my choice. Given my extensive background as a seniorprofessional in the maritime operational field, having held the role of acaptain, I was in search of an academic environment that could serve as a nexusfor both enriching my knowledge and providing a platform for the disseminationof my wealth of industry experience.

WMU's unwavering commitment tomaritime education, coupled with its resolute emphasis on bridging the realmsof academia and industry, deeply resonated with me. It became evident that WMUwas the perfect crucible for my transformation from a career entrenched inmaritime operations to one flourishing within academia. The University'sstoried tradition of nurturing and producing experts and leaders within themaritime sector further solidified its standing as the ideal choice for myeducational pursuits.Furthermore, WMU's distinctive interdisciplinary approachto maritime studies served as an irresistible attraction.

My research focus during my tenureat WMU was centered on the pivotal subject of achieving net-zero emissions inthe maritime sector, encompassing both offshore and onshore infrastructures,including ports and shipyards. This particular research avenue held greatappeal for me due to its unique capacity to amalgamate my extensive practicalexperience as a captain within the maritime operational field with the rigorousacademic environment provided by WMU. The maritime industry is inherentlydynamic, constantly undergoing transformative changes, and I was deeplyconvinced that my research endeavors could significantly contribute toenhancing sustainability within this vital sector. The prospect of influencingpositive change by addressing contemporary challenges and emerging trends inthe maritime industry, all closely aligned with my professional background,served as a compelling motivation for my choice of research focus.

One of the most memorable aspectsof my WMU experience has undoubtedly been the University's vibrant andinclusive interdisciplinary environment. Engaging with both faculty members andfellow students hailing from diverse backgrounds and nationalities has been anincredibly enriching facet of my academic journey. This inclusive atmospherehas offered me a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights and perspectivesthat would have remained undiscovered within the confines of a purely industry-focusedsetting. The collaborative exchange of ideas across various maritimedisciplines has proven to be invaluable, expanding my horizons and enriching myeducational experience. Additionally, the regular involvement in thoughtfuldiscussions, seminars, and workshops focused on globally relevant maritimetopics has served as a consistent source of inspiration throughout my time atWMU. The University’s unwavering dedication to cultivating a global network ofmaritime experts has allowed me to establish meaningful connections withprofessionals and scholars from across the world. These connections have notonly broadened my academic horizons but have also added a global dimension tomy educational journey, enhancing its depth and significance.

Upon graduation, I was awarded aprestigious research fellowship in sustainability, energy, and the pursuit ofnet-zero emissions within the maritime industry at the esteemed University ofSouthampton in the United Kingdom. This exciting opportunity marks the nextphase of my academic and maritime journey. I remain passionately committed tocontinuing my exploration of academia and the maritime sector, building uponthe invaluable knowledge and experience I acquired during my time at WMU. Myprimary objective is to contribute significantly to the advancement of thezero-emission maritime industry, a pivotal and transformative sector within ourglobal community.

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The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards