WMU Summer Academy – Maritime Decarbonization

About

The World Maritime University (WMU) is a unique academic institution, founded within the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. The University has a reputation for bringing together stakeholders such as academics, researchers, professionals, and industry to explore cross-cutting topics facing the maritime industry. The WMU Summer Academy provides a unique opportunity for these stakeholders to gather and share knowledge, as well as collaborate on potential solutions that will directly benefit the maritime industry.

The maritime industry is undergoing a monumental transformation, driven by advancements in technology, economics, and operations. Our WMU Summer Academy programme on Maritime Decarbonization prepares you to be a part of the transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas and energy efficient maritime industry.

The 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships aims for net-zero emissions by around 2050, with interim total GHG reductions of by at least 20%, striving for 30%, by 2030, and by at least 70%, striving for 80%, by 2040 . In April 2025 the IMO agreed on the "IMO net-zero framework" to set a global fuel standard and a pricing mechanism for emissions exceeding the target annual GHG fuel intensity. To achieve the ambitious decarbonization goals, organizations and government agencies must prepare for introducing technical innovations, new policies and revised operational procedures into the maritime industry that will define the future of this industry and be reflective of the evolving regulations

Course leader

Professor Aykut I. Ölcer, Nippon Foundation Chair, Director of Maritime Research, Head of Maritime Energy Management

Target group

This Summer Academy course is open to individuals interested in gaining a thorough understanding of the maritime decarbonization and IMO/EU GHG reduction strategies for the shipping sector and those interested in acquiring further skills for career development. This includes graduate/PhD students, researchers, and other academics, as well as industry professionals (maritime companies, shore personnel, naval architects, and marine engineers), shipping and port/shipyard professionals (engineers, managers, and executives), and other individuals engaged in decarbonization and the processes of the IMO GHG Strategy

Course aim

Our programme is grounded in the belief that maritime decarbonization is both an inevitable shift and a tremendous opportunity for the entire industry. Through a comprehensive approach, we will explore the challenges and opportunities maritime decarbonization presents, considering regulatory, social, environmental, technological, and economic dimensions.

Benefiting from WMU's distinctive international environment, our programme fosters interactive discussions and lectures, offering insights into the complexity of decarbonizing shipping while seeking solutions. Led by WMU's esteemed faculty and keynote speaker Dr. Harry T. Conway, Chair of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization, participants will explore international regulations, technical aspects of ship design and operation, emerging energy-efficient technologies, and economic processes influencing the pathways for decarbonization in the context of maritime supply chains and financing

Fee info