Two new Foundation-funded fellows join the World Maritime University

In January 2023, Lloyd’s Register Foundation and the WMU announced a new grant that would provide six fellowships over three years, taking maritime professionals from around the world to the WMU headquarters in Malmö, Sweden. The Maritime Affairs course provides students with excellent research skills, an understanding of the practical applications of knowledge and access to an unparalleled international network of fellow maritime and oceans professionals.

Elaiza Marie Perez and Buaka Danisa Ama are the second cohort of Foundation-funded fellows at the World Maritime University, following the graduation of Mithilesh Kumar and Faith Maraga in September 2024. We spoke with Elaiza and Buaka before their studies get underway.

Elaiza Marie Perez, Senior Shipping Operations Specialist, Philippine Maritime Industry Authority

“I am Elaiza Marie Perez, and I work for the Philippine Maritime Industry Authority as a Senior Shipping Operations Specialist with focus on improving maritime safety. I also serve as a Flag State Officer and carry out duties as a certified International Safety Management (ISM) Auditor for Philippine-registered vessels.

My involvement in the maritime world started when I was a seafarer and I have seen that the industry changes fast due to the rapid improvements and advancements in technology. This topic has caught my attention because these developments present many benefits and opportunities, but they have also brought attention to the needs of keeping up the safety and environmental standards with the emerging trends. 

This insight is what motivated me to join and continue my studies at the World Maritime University. Joining WMU will boost my confidence and improve my capacity to help develop flexible maritime standards. In addition, I am excited about the opportunity to grow and learn at WMU, and I have no doubt that this experience will allow me to significantly influence and contribute to the future of the maritime industry.” 

Buaka Danisa Ama, Teaching Assistant, Regional Maritime University Ghana

“My decision to enroll at World Maritime University (WMU) as a recent maritime graduate is motivated by my profound concern for the pressing issues confronting the oceans and the larger environmental crises impacting our world. The oceans, which support millions of people's livelihoods, regulate the climate, and support biodiversity worldwide, are under unprecedented peril. 

The increasing levels of plastic and micro plastics and chemical waste are not only devastating to marine life but also have long-term consequences for human health and global food security. I am deeply concerned about the pollution of the oceans, particularly plastics and micro plastics, which are now found in every ocean and pose a serious threat to biodiversity. The challenge of cleaning up and preventing further pollution in our seas is a pressing global issue that I want to help address.

As a specialized organization, WMU is renowned for its capacity to develop and refine professional maritime minds. Because of this, I am confident that I will undergo a constant process of learning and unlearning new things at WMU, which will better prepare me for my future professional pursuits. 

Upon gaining experience in the field, I hope to assume leadership positions where I can guide and motivate the upcoming generation of marine professionals. In order to solve the problems facing our seas, education is essential, and I aim to support public awareness initiatives that highlight the value of ocean conservation as well as the professional growth of others. Working with NGOs, academic and research institutions, and governmental organizations, I hope to make sure that marine ecosystems get the critical protection they require.

Ultimately, I want to help create a maritime sector that is more robust and sustainable and to save our oceans for coming generations. As a recent graduate with an interest in global marine issues, I have the ability to significantly influence the development of a sustainable future for the oceans of our planet by enlisting the help of other young professionals who share my passion to coordinate efforts toward the end result.” 

The course at the WMU also allows sponsoring organisations to help curate and specialise dissertation topics. This research can then be used to contribute to other related activities, such as supporting further analysis of Lloyd’s Register and Lloyd’s Register Foundation’s Global Maritime Trends 2050 – an ongoing multi-year research programme providing evidence and insight on the large-scale challenges affecting the maritime industry.