MSc Maritime Operations Management student, Andrew Bourton, was selected to represent Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) at the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) Student Forum at the United Nations’ International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London between 11th and 13th July.
The IAMU Student Forum provides an opportunity for the next generation of maritime industry leaders to connect and collaborate with world-leading researchers, educators and experts from the maritime industry as well as students from all over the world. Liverpool John Moores University is proud to me a member of IAMU, and is grateful for the opportunity to have nominated a student to participate in this highly prestigious event.
A Group Photo with Andrew Bourton fifth from left
The theme of the IAMU student forum 2023 was on “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on’’, which is also the World Maritime theme for 2023. MARPOL is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, originally adopted on 2nd November 1973. The Convention includes regulations aimed at preventing and minimising pollution from ships – both accidental pollution and that from routine operations – and currently includes six technical Annexes addressing prevention of pollution by oil, noxious liquid substances in bulk, harmful substances carried by sea in packaged form, sewage from ships, garbage from ships, and since 2005 air pollution from ships.
The forum consists of two-day workshop and one-day technical tour. Over the first two days of the forum, students worked under the supervision of their group facilitators to identify the underlying issues at the heart of each given topic, while also coming up with unique suggestions and solutions for dealing with them. On the final day of the forum, the participants visited the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich to widen their perspectives and knowledge by learning about maritime history and being exposed to different values.
Another group photo of students delegation in the Main Hall at the International Maritime Organisation Headquarters in London.
This year’s IAMU Student Forum followed the high-profile Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC80), at which the International Maritime Organisation adopted a revised greenhouse gas emission strategy for the shipping sector. Member States of the IMO committed to indicative checkpoints to reach net-zero by 2050, reducing global annual emissions from shipping from 2008 levels “by at least 20% and striving for 30% by 2030’’. In the longer term, the agreement calls for a 70% reduction—and “striving for 80%” reduction in shipping emissions by 2040. MEPC80 was attended by LJMU Reader in Sustainable Maritime Transport Dr. Christos Kontovas, who had a seat at the meeting as the representative for the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU).
The business of shipping is pivotal to the world economy. From our Mechanics’ Institute in 1825 to England’s first Nautical College in 1892, we have a strong maritime heritage, linked with Liverpool’s place as a world-famous port and commercial shipping hub. At LJMU, we offer a range of Maritime programmes for postgraduate study, through which you can develop an in-depth knowledge of maritime business and gain the skills required to enter shore-based roles in maritime operations, port or ship management. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are embedded across all of our programmes, and as a Faculty we have adopted the Women in Maritime Pledge and we have a firm commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (EDI).
MSc Maritime Operations Management
MSc Port Management
MSc International Transport, Trade and Logistics
MSc Marine and Offshore Engineering
MSc Maritime Energy Efficiency
