(NEWS) Class of 2022 Inauguration, Malmö

September

2021

Class of 2022 Inauguration, Malmö

Inauguration of the World Maritime University’s (WMU) Class of 2022 in the Malmö MSc in Maritime Affairs, took place on 20 September in the Sasakawa Auditorium. Due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, 70 students had arrived in Malmö to date. Those who had yet to join the Class in Malmö, or who were in isolation after traveling, were able to join the inauguration via video conferencing. The Class of 2022 includes 132 students from 53 countries.

In her welcome remarks, Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of WMU, noted the challenging times due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlighted the overwhelming and continued support of donors to WMU which has returned the Malmö programme to enrolment that is comparable with numbers prior to COVID-19. “WMU is a microcosm of the United Nations. We come together here in Malmö to help make the world a better place from a maritime and oceans perspective. We work together to address the problems of sustainable development, gender equality, economic empowerment and ocean governance,“ she said.

The Guest Speaker was Mr Norbert Brackmann, German Federal Government Coordinator for the Maritime Industry. He identified three main issues that are impacting the maritime industry today. The first relates to the need for innovative approaches to ensure a maritime energy transition with a view to protecting the climate and the environment. The second concerns the importance of raising awareness with respect to the Oceans which are more than just a mode of transport. Oceans are also ecosystems with natural resources that should be used sparingly and responsibly. The third relates to new technologies and digitalization which are transforming, and will continue to transform, the maritime industry. He also spoke of the unique nature of WMU and its role as a center of excellence in maritime education, research, capacity-building and expertise. He said, “There has never been a more exciting and promising time to study at WMU. You, the students, are the key to the future of the maritime and ocean industries. The challenges before us today are great, not only in Europe but across the whole world. As stewards of the sea, you will make an important difference.”

Closing remarks were made by Professor Jens-Uwe Schröder-Hinrichs, WMU Vice President (Academic Affairs). He emphasized the diversity of the incoming class of students with 51 students from Africa, 41 from Asia, 10 from Latin America and the Caribbean, 5 from Europe, 2 from the Pacific region and 11 from Northern Africa and Middle East, with strong delegations from Nigeria, South Africa and the Philippines. “There are not many universities in the world who have such a unique mix of different nationalities in their programme. This is a very special feature of WMU and represents the true spirit of the United Nations with which WMU is affiliated,” he said.

After the inauguration, Mr Brackman and a delegation organized by the Friends of WMU Germany delivered an afternoon lecture on Current Challenges to the German Maritime Industry. The delegation also met with students in the Class of 2021 and 2022 who are currently sponsored by Germany. The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has supported WMU for many years. As the second largest provider of fellowships, the Federal Government and partners in the German maritime industry have supported more than 300 students. Among the maritime leaders financed by Germany to study at WMU is Mr. Kitack Lim, the current Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization.

To learn more about the Malmö MSc in Maritime Affairs, click here.

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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.

My research explored the theoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis on maritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the study conducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritime governance—specifically, the implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affect the implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, the research aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmly anchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling the intricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMO instruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivated by a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies in maritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of a scarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in the existing body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration, underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area of maritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarly research.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of my educational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections with influential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of the globe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an international scale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also served as a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding of different perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantly to my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networking and has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within the Caribbean region from which I hail.

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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I have had a fantastic journey and an incredible and rewarding experience at WMU. Studying here came with many blessings and was one of the best decisions I have ever made. First, my supervisors were resourceful, outstanding and very supportive, who dedicated their time to mentor and guide my research work. Their guidance, advice, motivation, kindness, understanding and support were instrumental and helped me achieve my academic goals to reach where I am today. Second, the university has a strong family bond, is well-organized, and embraces teamwork, and I received immense support from the GOI and WMU secretariat. Also, I managed to interact with many students from different nationalities, exchanged ideas and discovered/learned a lot of things from the various cultures, especially during the annual celebration of the WMU International Day, made new friends from around the world, expanded my network and immensely improved my global view.

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WMU's unwavering commitment to maritime education, coupled with its resolute emphasis on bridging the realms of academia and industry, deeply resonated with me. It became evident that WMU was the perfect crucible for my transformation from a career entrenched in maritime operations to one flourishing within academia. The University's storied tradition of nurturing and producing experts and leaders within the maritime sector further solidified its standing as the ideal choice for my educational pursuits.Furthermore, WMU's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to maritime studies served as an irresistible attraction.

My research focus during my tenure at WMU was centered on the pivotal subject of achieving net-zero emissions in the maritime sector, encompassing both offshore and onshore infrastructures, including ports and shipyards. This particular research avenue held great appeal for me due to its unique capacity to amalgamate my extensive practical experience as a captain within the maritime operational field with the rigorous academic environment provided by WMU. The maritime industry is inherently dynamic, constantly undergoing transformative changes, and I was deeply convinced that my research endeavors could significantly contribute to enhancing sustainability within this vital sector. The prospect of influencing positive change by addressing contemporary challenges and emerging trends in the maritime industry, all closely aligned with my professional background, served as a compelling motivation for my choice of research focus.

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