International maritime researcher ‘proud’ to add to Liverpool’s heritage

Liverpool’s maritime heritage has always been a truly global enterprise – mixing commerce and people from all corners of the globe.

In keeping with this tradition, a student from Rodrigues Island, in the Indian Ocean – Krishna Sooprayen – has been selected to represent LJMU in a prestigious industry competition.

Kris, who is completing his Masters in Port Management in the School of Engineering, has degrees from the University of Mauritius and the Management College of South Africa but chose to carry out his masters degree at LJMU, the UK’s oldest maritime college.

“I was working as a supervisor for the Mauritius Ports Authority and had also worked with numerous NGOs in Rodrigues, in poverty alleviation, marine conservation and environmental protection.”

Chevening Scholarship

Last year, Kris was awarded a Chevening Scholarship from the UK government to carry out novel research on ports.

The work has earned him a place as a finalist in the Maritime Masters programme, run by Maritime UK, to identify the next generation of industry leaders and support knowledge exchange between academia and industry.

Sponsored by Royal HaskoningDHV and Clarksons Platou, the final will enable the nation’s best students to present their research to industry and one will be voted the winner of this year’s competition. Kris said: “I am deeply honoured to represent Liverpool John Moores University especially as my friends had also submitted topics and researches of an exceptional standard. 

“My family and friends were very proud as it is a massive achievement for us.”

Well supported

Kris is admits this year has been unique and stressful for all students but praised both academic and non-teaching staff for pulling out all the stops to enable him to complete his studies

“I would like to give a special mention for my supervisor, senior lecturer Dr Christos Kontovas, for his continuous support and encouraging words throughout my study.” 

His research impressed judges by combining two existing methods for prioritising maritime cargo during a prolonged pandemic based and illustrating its applicability on a case study on Rodrigues Island.

Runners-up in the shortlisting for LJMU’s finalist were: Holly Simone Hadden, Niall Crowley and Christopher Bennett. The final winner will be announced on Thursday, October 15.

Unique courses

LJMU is one of six UK universities with a maritime specialism, rooted in England’s first Nautical College, founded in 1892 and is a full member of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU). Uniquely in the UK, the Department of Maritime and Mechanical Engineering at LJMU has a both vocational seafarer training and a well-established bachelor and master’s Maritime Operations Management offer. 

Other award titles include MSc International Transport, Trade and Logistics; MSc Port Management; MSc Marine and Offshore Engineering, as well an MSc Marine Technical Superintendent in collaboration with Lloyds Maritime Academy.