(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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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.

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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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