Mersey Maritime Awards 2023: LJMU backs greater sustainability

Vice-Chancellor Mark Power says university collaboration in the maritime industry is key in tackling climate change and ensuring the best people enter the industry.

Professor Power was presenting an award for Net Zero at this week’s Mersey Maritime Industry Awards, sponsored by LJMU.

Professor Power, making the award to marine solutions firm Svitzer, said: “It was a privilege to present the Net Zero Award, recognising those that are leading the way in addressing issues around net zero and driving forward progress with their involvement in the wider green agenda.

“From having the first nautical college in England, to today providing the support and teaching required for individuals to enter shore-based roles in marine surveying, maritime operations, port and ship management, consultancy, research, and maritime education – LJMU’s maritime connections remain strong in this our 200th year.

“Links with academia to the maritime industry are vital for the city region and across the world in combatting issues like climate change and ensuring that we have a well-equipped workforce to tackle those most pressing maritime, and global, challenges head on.

“The maritime sector and the city region are in an exciting period, and it was inspiring to see that being celebrated through individual and collective achievements last night.”

LJMU's research and innovation has a strong focus on the sustainability of the maritime industry from 'green' fuels to the development of electric ships.

The Mersey Maritime Awards saw more than over 550 guests from across the UK and recognise outstanding achievements and innovations in the industry and were hosted by Sam Quek MBE, Olympic gold medallist and TV presenter.

LJMU was represented at the ceremony in Liverpool Cathedral by a host of senior managers and academics, including Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Ndy Ekere, Director of Civil Engineering Prof Mike Riley, Dr Robyn Pyne, Principal Lecturer for Logistics and Maritime Management, Dr Julia Wang, Director of International Partnerships and PhD researcher Garth Dallas, Chair of the Liverpool Commonwealth Association.

Katherine Fairclough, CEO of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority delivered the keynote, emphasising the pivotal role of the maritime industry in driving growth and investment within the Liverpool City Region.

The prestigious Business of the Year Award was presented to Stone Marine Shipcare Ltd and the Maritime Ambassador Award was awarded to Sir Michael Bibby, known for his outstanding contribution to the maritime industry over the course of his career.

Main sponsors of the event were: Kays Medical, Liverpool John Moores University, and Peel Ports Group.

The LJMU delegation comprised:

• Prof. Nduka Ekere, Pro Vice Chancellor for Engineering and Technology, LJMU
• Garth Dallas, CEO/MD Dallas Consulting and Chair of The Liverpool Commonwealth Association, and LJMU PhD student
• Rei Misa, LJMU student MSc Maritime Operations Management, and Winner of the 2023 Lüddeke Prize - The Nautical Institute
• Monica Kohli, Senior Lawyer - Guard UK/Chair of WISTA UK
• Sue Henney, LJMU alumna, Head of Marketing at Idwal, Port Secretary Liverpool Propeller Club
• Klistitin Fasinu LJMU Student MSc Marine and Offshore Engineering
• Dr Julia Wang, Director, International Relations, LJMU
• Prof Mike Riley, Director, School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, FET, LJMU
• Dr Robyn Pyne, Principal Lecturer for Logistics and Maritime Management, FET, LJMU
• Anna Kaparaki, Marine Law Senior Solicitor and Lecturer in Maritime Law, FET, LJMU
• Dr Christos Kontovas, Reader in Sustainable Maritime Transportation and Logistics, FET, LJMU
• Dr Dimitrios Paraskevadakis FCILT FHEA, Senior Lecturer Maritime Transport and Logistics, FET, LJMU