(NEWS) WMU Forum Held at Almedalen Week 2014

July

2014

WMU Forum Held at Almedalen Week 2014

Almedalen Week is an annual event that began in 1968 when Olof Palme, then prime minister of Sweden, made a speech from the back of a lorry at Almedalen park in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland. Over the years, Almedalen Week has evolved into Sweden’s largest political meeting and is renowned for openness and democracy providing a platform for open discussions and presentations on current topics.

For 2014, WMU arranged a forum on 30 June at the Maritime Forum Event, Maritim Mötesplats, entitled “Global Environmental and Safety Issues of Maritime Transport: Is There Any Progress?” WMU Professor, Olof Lindén, opened the session with an introduction to WMU that included recent developments in maritime research such as the opportunities that e-navigation provides for monitoring of shipping activities and environmental management. He noted that despite significant improvements in the maritime world such as greatly diminished oil spills, many environmental management challenges remain including air pollution, hull fouling, invasive species, underwater noise, and ship strikes to marine mammals.

The issue of ship strikes was discussed further by WMU Research Assistant and PhD Candidate, Annukka Pekkarinen. It was emphasized that quick action is needed since certain endangered whale populations cannot withstand the additional mortality caused by increasing shipping activities in their feeding and breeding areas.

Plastic waste and oceans were the topic of focus for Carl-Gustav Lundin, Director of the Global Marine and Polar Programme for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), who emphasized the importance of this rather recently revealed threat circulating in marine food chains. Further, Mattias Rust, Conservation Officer for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), made a presentation about Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) including Sweden’s goal to increase protection of their PSSAs from 6.5 to 10 percent. Based on the increase in human activities that influence our oceans, the question arose if 10 percent is sufficient.

WMU Associate Professor, Yoshinobu Takei, addressed the issue of Arctic governance and how the Arctic Council and IMO are working together to ensure that increased shipping in the Arctic is safe and well managed. As topics for discussion he raised issues Sweden faces in terms of the potential conflicts of being an EU member state as well as an Arctic Council member state, and the controversial involvement of non-Arctic states in the governance of the marine Arctic.

After the presentations concluded, the floor was turned over to a panel comprised of members of the Swedish parliament including Annicka Engblom, Moderata Samlingspartiet (the Moderate Coalition Party); Annelie Enochson, Kristdemokraterna (Swedish Christian Democratic); Staffan Danielsson, Centerpartiet (Centre Party); Jan-Olof Larsson, Socialdemokraterna (Swedish Social Democratic Party); Jessica Rosencrantz, Moderata Samlingspartiet (the Moderate Coalition Party); and Lars Tysklind, Folkpartiet (Swedish Liberal People's Party).

The panel’s concerns focused mainly on Sweden’s PSSAs and the issue of microplastics due to their impact on Sweden’s coastline and the individuals who populate it. Annicka Engblom (Moderata Samlingspartiet ) was particularly interested in Arctic cooperation and Sweden’s role in the work of the Arctic Council. All panelists acknowledged that Sweden’s economy is heavily dependent on shipping and that ensuring the future of Sweden's seafaring industry is relevant to all political parties. The panel was in further agreement that although ship strikes, arctic shipping, and marine littering from ships tend to take place far from the borders of Sweden, actions should be taken to diminish the negative impact of these issues.

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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