(NEWS) Message from the President to the Incoming MSc Students in Maritime Affairs

July

2020

Message from the President to the Incoming MSc Students in Maritime Affairs

We are excited that you will be joining WMU to start the Master of Science in Maritime Affairs programme in September 2020. We are aware that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing uncertainty to you all. The maritime industry has been severely impacted by the pandemic and we are aware of the impact it is having on shipping and on seafarers as well as on ports. The academic experience will certainly equip you to address the pressing challenges the industry is facing and may continue to face in the future.

Whether or not you have also joined the pre-sessional English and Study Skills Programme, you must be wondering about the arrangements we have made for the start of the programme. We have previously given our commitment that the 2020 intake will go ahead as of the planned date, even if not in exactly the format to which we are used. I can give you my personal assurance that we have developed expertise in teaching remotely since March, when teaching started to be delivered online to our students in their rooms in the Henrik Smith Residence. We have been able to continue to teach, mark assignments and deliver examinations online and to benefit from the expertise of our visiting faculty. We are therefore confident that, thanks to the flexibility and dedication of our faculty, we will be able to deliver our programme, regardless of the pandemic.

Whether and when you will be able to come to Sweden depends on the international travel restrictions in place, governing both entry into Sweden and exit from your home country. Travel to Sweden from outside the European Union/European EconomicArea was prohibited until 4 July when the nationals of 14 additional countries were given permission to enter the EU. (See https://www.government.se/articles/2020/04/faqs--entry-to-the-eu-via-sweden-banned)

We strongly advise you to check the status with your local Swedish Embassy, in addition to consulting the Swedish Government’s website before you make travel arrangements. We know you will understand that the University has no legal or financial responsibility for our students’ well-being until they arrive in Malmö to enrol.

Those of you who are able to come to Malmö over the next couple of months will be warmly welcomed to the University and to our Residence. We will complete the teaching of the pre-sessional English and Study Skills Programme online this year. We are currently planning to teach our new MSc students from September in a blended-learning mode, as we expect some of you to be able to be here in Malmö, while others may have to wait a little longer. We have a very extensive online library which will be available to you, wherever you are in the world, along with recordings of lectures, online classes and personal academic support from the faculty member responsible for your specialization. We want to reassure you that your classes and experiences – whether on-line or in person – will be engaging, high quality and consistent with the excellence expected from our post-graduate maritime and oceans programmes.

We have taken into account public health guidelines and we are placing primary importance on the health and well-being of our WMU community. We have taken extensive precautions to keep all our students safe over the last four months, and plentiful supplies of hand sanitiser, masks and gloves have been and will continue to be made available to all our students. We are all carefully social distancing, both inside the University and in our lives outside. You should also be aware that the Swedish Health Service has managed the pandemic very well, and that the standards of medical care here are outstanding.

We are looking forward to welcoming you as you start your journey with us. I have every hope that all of you will be able to be here by January 2021 at the latest. I guarantee to you that we will support you all both at home and in Sweden to the very best of our abilities. Please stay safe and stay positive until we can meet in person.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry
President

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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