(NEWS) WMU Summer Academy - Current Issues in Ports and Terminals

September

2023

WMU Summer Academy - Current Issues in Ports and Terminals

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The week-long World Maritime University (WMU) Summer Academy on Current Issues in Ports and Terminals Post COVID-19 commenced on 11 September. A total of 21 professionals from 11 different countries joined the programme.

Professor Max Mejia, WMU President, welcomed the participants noting that ports are an indispensable element for connecting production and consumption and that they play a major role in supporting the global supply chains of today. “For an economy, it is an important task to fully utilize ports as a strategic asset to join the global supply chain and facilitate trade with other economies,” he said, wishing the participants a fruitful week.

Delivered by a team of WMU faculty, researchers and distinguished guest lecturers, the programme offered an in-depth examination of various facets of port business and management. WMU Professor Daniel Moon, along with UNCTAD experts Ms Hassiba Benamara and Mr Mark Assaf, opened the programme and addressed port performance indicators and related challenges during the past years, particularly focusing on operational resilience. Dr Iven Krämer from Bremen’s Ministry for Economy, Ports & Transformation offered a thorough review of port management and sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder management. The trend towards decarbonization and a port’s role as a green energy hub in the future was presented by WMU Associate Professor Fabio Ballini, and WMU Adjunct Professor Pierre Cariou explained the concept of green corridors, exploring industry practice using case studies. The exponential development of container terminal automation, related driving factors, and its potential relevance to ports of various conditions was presented by WMU Associate Professor Gang Chen, and WMU Research Assistant Anas Alamoush conducted a specialized workshop on port energy project development through the lens of stakeholder management. Through the intellectually stimulating sessions, participants gained both academic insights and real-world perspectives on port related issues. Successful port operations were discussed to inform the development of thriving ports for the future including from the perspective of ports in terms of the land and sea interface, as an industry cluster, as a logistics and information hub, and as a sustainable energy hub.

The port-focused Summer Academy was open to individuals interested in gaining a thorough understanding of port business, management and finance and those interested in acquiring further skills for career development. The Johor Port Authority (LPJ) of Malaysia provided funds to sponsor seven WMU students, from Eastern Europe and Eastern Africa, who will be graduating in October, to attend the Summer Academy programme.

‍About the WMU Summer Academy

The World Maritime University (WMU) is a unique academic institution, founded within the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The University has a reputation for bringing together stakeholders such as academics, researchers, professionals, and industry experts to explore cross-cutting topics faced by the maritime industry. Launched in 2022, the WMU Summer Academy provides a unique opportunity for these stakeholders to gather and share knowledge, as well as collaborate on potential solutions that will directly benefit the maritime industry. Each year, multiple one-week programmes offer the opportunity for participants to focus on topics of current importance in the maritime and oceans sectors. Topics offered in 2023 include Maritime Decarbonization, International Maritime Law, and Current Issues in Ports and Terminals.

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Dissertation title

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