METAVASEA

People-centred Transition for Maritime Decarbonization in the East Mediterranean
Project Duration
January 2023
-
December 2028

The World Maritime University - Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (WMU-GOI) is pleased to partner with the Hellenic Marine Environment protection Association (HELMEPA) to implement the METAVASEA Project with the strategic and financial support of Lloyd’s Register Foundation. Under the auspices of METAVASEA, the WMU-GOI seeks to strengthen regulatory gaps in maritime decarbonization and provide valuable scientific resources for disseminating the findings and raising awareness globally.

The METAVASEA project focuses on addressing the human-centered aspects of shipping's transition to low- and zero-carbon fuels and technologies, particularly in the East Mediterranean region, which is experiencing rapid climate change. While much attention is given to technical solutions and funding for research and development, this project emphasizes the importance of considering the impact on seafarers, port workers, maritime professionals, and marine communities. It aims to empower these groups through blended reskilling, upskilling, and training tools to support their transition to a decarbonized future. By prioritizing the health and safety of the maritime workforce and protecting the environment and livelihoods, the project seeks to ensure a people-centered approach to the decarbonization of the shipping industry.

The WMU-GOI is pleased to be one of the committed partners of the METAVASEA Project in furtherance of expanding the research knowledge and raising global awareness on this critical issue. The project aims to provide a region-specific overview of the state-of-play with regards to maritime decarbonization, to identify necessary skills and competencies to support the green/digital transition, and to develop flexible training/reskills/upskilling toolkits for seafarers, port workers, and shipping professionals.

Programme Objectives

  1. International Cooperation Prototype: Establish a model for collaboration between local, regional, and intergovernmental stakeholders.
  2. Region-Specific Overview: Research study on infrastructure & necessary skills for maritime decarbonization in the East Mediterranean region. 
  3. Community Readiness: Evaluate local communities' readiness to adopt decarbonization solutions and guide decision-making.
  4. Pathway to Decarbonization: Identify region-specific strategies for decarbonizing ships and port infrastructure based on potential scenarios.
  5. Skills and Competences: Map required skills and competences for the maritime sector transformation.
  6. Training and Toolkits: Develop materials for seafarers, port workers, and administrators to enhance knowledge and inclusivity.
  7. Legislative Framework Integration: Support the integration of the IMO’s revised GHG strategy and EU policies like the Green Deal and "Fit for 55".
  8. Climate Awareness: Promote awareness and cooperation among East Mediterranean marine communities on maritime decarbonization

METAVASEA is coordinated by HELMEPA, in cooperation with 6 partners and 12 associate partners, and supported by Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

Project WebsiteBrochure
Contractors
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Donors
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Partners
HELMEPA
Lloyd's Register Foundation
Cyprus Marine Environmental Protection Association
Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute
Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development
Premium Consulting
Principal Investigator
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Co-principal investigator
Tafsir Matin Johansson
Associate Professor (Research/Ocean Sustainability, Governance & Management)
Aspasia Pastra
Assistant Professor (Research/Ocean Sustainability, Governance & Management)
Project Officer
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Contributors
Ronán Long
Director, WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute and Professor
Elnaz Barjandi
Programme and Operations Manager, WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute
Ambre Pilet
Project and Communications Fellow