(NEWS) Emerging Technology and the Law of the Sea Workshop

June

2024

Emerging Technology and the Law of the Sea Workshop

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From 4-5 June, the World Maritime University (WMU), hosted a workshop entitled Emerging Technology and the Law of the Sea. Delivered to students in the Maritime Law & Policy specialization, the workshop was co-organized with the Stockton Center for International law (SCIL), represented by Professor James Kraska, with generous support from the Transport General Authority (TGA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In welcome remarks, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., WMU President, highlighted the importance of the collaborative workshop saying, “The law of the sea plays a crucial role in providing a framework for the governance, management, and conservation of our oceans. As new technologies emerge, it is essential that our legal systems adapt and evolve to address the unique challenges they pose.”

Eng. Essam Al Ammari, Acting Deputy for Maritime Transport at TGA and WMU Governor highlighted the change that technology is making in shipping saying, “While these innovations offer tremendous opportunities to enhance our understanding, increase trade and protection of the oceans, they also bring about new challenges that require us to adapt our legal and administrative frameworks to ensure regulatory governance and seafarer safety can be maintained.”

Drawing on the expertise of a wide range of esteemed guest speakers, the workshop focused on emerging technologies that are revolutionizing many aspects of the maritime industry, marine science, efforts to protect the marine environment, and naval operations. Examples include autonomous vessels, artificial intelligence, and alternative fuels that are changing the way we operate at sea. The workshop addressed the opportunities these advancements bring as well as the challenges they pose to ocean governance and the law of the sea, which is evolving to adapt to the accelerating rates of global changes.

Relationships between technology and ocean governance and the law of the sea were considered, including the human element and their interaction with Artificial intelligence at sea, the regime of marine genetic resources in the High Seas Treaty, deep seabed technologies for the exploitation of seabed minerals, decarbonization of shipping, and secure communications for autonomous ships and the threat of spoofing and jamming of AIS and GPS signals. These issues are related directly to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Overall, the workshop provided a platform for the speakers and attendees to discuss and provide feedback on the papers presented. The extended presentations will be published as chapters in a volume edited by Professor James Kraska of SCIL and WMU Associate Professor Khanssa Lagdami as a second edition of the book on emerging technologies and the law of the sea, edited by Professor James Kraska and Dr. Young Kil Park. The first edition of the book, can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009042178

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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

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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.

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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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