(NEWS) Transforming Shipping in Practice - WMU Maritime Affairs Conference 2026

September

2026

Transforming Shipping in Practice - WMU Maritime Affairs Conference 2026

From 26 - 28 August, the World Maritime University (WMU) Maritime Affairs Conference 2026 brought together experts from industry, academia, government and international organizations to examine how the maritime sector can translate transformation into practice amid accelerating regulatory, technological and environmental change.

Held under the theme Transforming Shipping in Practice: Decarbonization, Digitalization, and Arctic Navigation, the three-day Conference explored the practical interaction of technology, regulation and policy in addressing key challenges shaping the future of shipping.

Opening the Conference, WMU President Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr. welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of dialogue and collaboration in addressing the complex challenges facing the maritime sector. Keynote remarks from IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, Alexandra Anstrell, Chair of the Arctic delegation in the Swedish Parliament and Chair of the Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region, and Jongjin Jung, President of the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO), and Sung-Soon Yoon, Vice-president of Korea Maritime Institute, further underscored the international nature of the discussions.

The Conference explored three interconnected themes—maritime decarbonization, maritime digitalization and Arctic navigation—reflecting some of the most significant technological, regulatory and environmental developments shaping the future of shipping. Across the three themes, discussions highlighted the importance of considering technology, regulation and policy together to support practical and sustainable transformation.

Under the topic of maritime decarbonization, speakers addressed international shipping decarbonization and the importance of policy pragmatism, as well as safety assurance for maritime’s dual transformation. Sessions examined approaches to reducing GHG emissions, including green shipping corridors, alternative and synthetic fuels, onboard carbon capture, green bunkering, and technologies such as physics-informed machine learning to support ship performance and decarbonization.

Maritime digitalization was explored through its human, regulatory and technological dimensions. Speakers addressed the role of human operators in advancing maritime autonomy and Artificial Intelligence, the skills needed for increasingly complex maritime systems, digitalization in maritime education and training, cyber risk governance, and legal issues associated with autonomous ships and electronic documentation.

Arctic navigation provided a focus on the rapidly changing operating environment in the region and its implications for safety, environmental protection, geopolitics and international cooperation. Presentations considered the co-evolution of Arctic shipping and geopolitics, marine safety and environmental protection, autonomous shipping in polar waters, voyage planning and navigation tools that take into consideration marine biodiversity protection, Arctic search and rescue, and future technology for Arctic shipping. The sessions also considered Sweden’s Arctic strategy and its upcoming Chairship of the Arctic Council.

Across the three themes, a recurring focus was the need to connect technological development with appropriate regulation, effective governance and practical implementation. The Conference provided a platform for participants to exchange perspectives across disciplines and sectors, highlighting the importance of cooperation in developing solutions that are both innovative and workable in diverse maritime contexts. The Conference also marked the 25th anniversary of the WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, with a dedicated session examining the Journal’s contribution to maritime scholarship and looking towards the future of maritime research.

This year’s event was co-hosted by the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) and the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) with sponsorship from the Korean Register (KR). It is the third annual WMU conference focused on Maritime Affairs more broadly, serving as a platform for open dialogue, mutual understanding and collaboration among experts from industry, academia and policymaking communities. Through its focus on the intersection of technology, regulation and policy, the Conference aims to generate practical and academic outcomes that support the transformation of the maritime sector and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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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

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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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