(NEWS) Sixth Annual Friends of WMU Germany Seminar Addresses Critical Maritime Chokepoints

October

2025

Sixth Annual Friends of WMU Germany Seminar Addresses Critical Maritime Chokepoints

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The sixth annual Friends of WMU Germany seminar took place on 15 October with the topic of "The Global Relevance of Critical Maritime Chokepoints - Economic, Legal and Security-Related Aspects". The seminar was presented to World Maritime University (WMU) students and faculty in the Sasakawa Auditorium. A delegation from the Friends of WMU Germany was also in attendance.

In welcome remarks, Professor Jens-Uwe Schröder-Hinrichs, WMU Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, expressed his appreciation to the Friends of WMU Germany for their continued support of the University. He emphasized the enduring value of strong partnerships and networks within the WMU community and acknowledged the Friends of WMU Germany for their dedicated efforts since the group’s founding in 2020. Professor Schröder-Hinrichs also highlighted Germany’s long-standing and meaningful relationship with WMU which dates back to the inception of the University.

The seminar was moderated by Mr. Reinhard Klingen, Chair of the Friends of WMU Germany and member of the WMU Board of Governors. Mr. Klingen emphasized the relevance of the seminar’s theme in light of current global political challenges, including piracy, nationalism, protectionism, and ongoing conflicts. He noted that these issues continue to have significant impacts on the maritime sector, shaping both the challenges and threats the industry faces today.

The opening speaker, Dr. Wibke Mellwig, Director General at the German Federal Ministry of Transport, presented on “Maritime Transport Policy in Challenging Times”. She emphasized the importance of multilateralism, with organizations like the IMO providing a framework for consensus-based decision-making on safety, security, and environmental issues. Germany plays a leading role in shaping IMO initiatives, from climate action and digitalization to maritime safety and seafarer training and Dr. Mellwig reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to international law, sustainable shipping, and continued support for WMU and its capacity development mission.

Ms. Ingrid Sidenvall Jegou, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Global Maritime Forum, outlined the organization’s mission to promote sustainable economic growth and human well-being in shipping. She highlighted initiatives on decarbonization, human sustainability, and transparency, warning that weak governance and the rise of the “dark fleet” threaten safety, seafarers, and the environment. Jegou called for stronger public–private collaboration to ensure responsible maritime operations.

The final speaker was WMU Professor Dr Henning Jessen, Nippon Foundation Chair in Maritime Law and Digital Change, who discussed the legal frameworks governing key maritime chokepoints and their importance for global trade and security. He outlined how international law, particularly UNCLOS, defines rights of transit through strategic straits and canals. Professor Jessen highlighted the balance between maintaining open navigation routes and addressing rising environmental and geopolitical challenges.

The speaker presentations were followed by a lively question and answer session with the panel addressing several questions from the audience.

Prior to the seminar, the German delegation met with students in the Class of 2025 and 2026 who are currently sponsored by Germany, which includes a total of 7 women, four in the 2025 class (Ghana, Liberia, Namibia and Nigeria) and three in the 2026 class (Namibia, Tanzania, and Uganda).

The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany is a long-term supporter of WMU. As the second largest provider of fellowships, the Federal Government and partners in the German maritime industry have funded the education of nearly 400 WMU graduates from roughly 80 countries. Among the maritime leaders financed by Germany to study at WMU is Mr. Kitack Lim, the former Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization.

To learn more about the Friends of WMU Germany, click here.

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