Addressing Climate Change Through Education and Research in Maritime Energy Management: The Case of World Maritime University

Abstract

Climate actions interrelating with the “Paris Agreement” have created a heavy pressure on the maritime industry to mitigate negative environmental impacts of shipping activities. Industry needs are rapidly shifting towards green and ecological operation of ships and ports; therefore, new types of education and research are in demand, forming a domain under the term “Maritime Energy Management” (MEM). This demand was first responded to by the World Maritime University (WMU) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a Specialized Agency of the United Nations (UN), in the form of establishing a series of postgraduate programmes focusing on MEM related issues. The analysis at hand presents a case study of WMU to showcase how universities can play a pivotal role in creating an interdisciplinary knowledge platform with specific focus on maritime energy. Various indicators to measure the impact are presented such as the evaluation of students’ data from their enrollment to career progressions, conference-seminar organisation and participation, research and publications, and stakeholder engagement. Tangible outcomes achieved in a relatively short time by WMU will demonstrate the leading role of universities in responding to the pressing issue of climate change. Among other issues, highlighting the opportunities for universities to build capacity for sustainable development through education and research is clear stands out.