(NEWS) WMU President Addresses 70th Session of IMO Technical Cooperation Committee

December

2020

WMU President Addresses 70th Session of IMO Technical Cooperation Committee

On 9 December, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of the World Maritime University (WMU), addressed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Technical Cooperation Committee (TCC) to report on the activities of the University. The 70th session of TCC (TC 70) was held from 7 to 11 December.

In her remarks, President Doumbia-Henry highlighted that WMU is continuing with its education and capacity building mission despite the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that classes were moved online as of March 2020 and that to date there are no reported cases of COVID-19 among the students. This year, 226 professionals from 79 countries graduated from WMU. There are now 5,392 WMU graduates from 170 countries and territories, of which 1,181 are women.

President Doumbia-Henry reported that in July, the Central Evaluation and Accreditation Agency, (ZEvA) located in Germany, provided unconditional re-accreditation for six years of WMU’s degrees. Reporting on cooperation with IMO, President Doumbia-Henry conveyed that WMU is making good progress to support IMO in e-learning projects for the IMO member State Audit Scheme and for the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation. In addition, the University has continued to support National Maritime Transport Policy (NMTP) training in 2020 with virtual training delivered to officials in Timor-Leste and students at WMU’s sister institute, the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI).

President Doumbia-Henry expressed her appreciation to the University’s donors and partners for their continued and unwavering support during the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular the Government of Sweden and the City of Malmö, The Nippon Foundation and the Government of Japan, the Republic of Korea, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), and the Governments of Canada, China, Germany, Malaysia, Thailand, Cyprus and Turkey.

Special thanks were also extended by President Doumbia-Henry to sponsors who provided fellowships in 2020: The Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, the IMO Global Capacity-Building Programme, Norway – Norad, African Development Bank, European Commission and EMSA, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Bahamas Maritime Authority, Canada, China, Ghana Ports and harbours Authority, Germany, Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Orients Fond, Peru, Philippines Coast Guard, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, Port of Gwangyang and Yeosu of the Republic of Korea, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, South Africa, Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, GARD, Stena Rederi AB, Wallenius Marine AB, ITF Seafarers’ Trust, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, TK Foundation and the British Columbia Institute of Technology of Canada.

President Doumbia-Henry stated that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that the work of WMU will be even more important and needed more than ever before as developing countries rebuild after the pandemic. Each year, WMU academically clears 300 applicants for the Master’s programme in Malmö, yet only a third of those applicants receive fellowship awards to make their studies possible. With the majority of WMU students coming from developing countries, fellowship support is absolutely crucial to support global capacity building.

President Doumbia-Henry appealed to all TCC members to consider financial support to WMU, whether that means expanding existing contributions or making an initial contribution. Such contributions will not only strengthen the University’s financial sustainability and development but will also ensure that developing countries which are severely affected by COVID-19 can rebuild as quickly as possible with the skills WMU graduates acquire.

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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