The World Maritime University-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (WMU-GOI) and the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA) are convening a one-day International Workshop titled “People-Centred Maritime Decarbonization: From East Mediterranean Findings to Global Pathways” under the auspices of the METAVASEA project funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, on 2 October 2026, in WMU, Malmö (Sweden).
people-centred maritime decarbonization
from east mediterranean findings to global pathways
The workshop will be dedicated to exploring pathways for a people-centered maritime transition in the Eastern Mediterranean. The region, known for its environmentally sensitive seas, dense coastal populations, and rich maritime heritage, is uniquely positioned to lead by example in aligning decarbonization with social responsibility and sustainable development.
The workshop is structured around two panel sessions:
- Panel I examines the METAVASEA survey results and their implications for reskilling and upskilling the maritime workforce;
- Panel II projects these findings onto the global stage, exploring their relevance to other maritime regions and introducing the forthcoming Palgrave Macmillan edited volume "People-Centred Transition in Maritime Decarbonization & Climate Justice" (Johansson, Triantafillou & Pastra, eds., expected September 2026).
Workshop context
The maritime sector is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history as it moves toward decarbonizing operations in response to the climate emergency and evolving regulatory frameworks. While much of the attention has focused on technological innovation, alternative fuels, and infrastructure upgrades, the human element remains the essential driver of this transition. Seafarers, port workers, administrators, and coastal communities must be informed, engaged, and equipped with the skills necessary to navigate this change if it is to be both effective and equitable.
Workshop participants
The workshop will convene the METAVASEA consortium:
- Premium Consulting
- The Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association (CYMEPA)
- The Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI)
- The Mediterranean Information Office (MIO-ECSDE)
- Oriani
- Athina Maritime Learning and Development Centre
Alongside WMU Faculty and Alumni, and invited experts.
Each partner contributes specialized expertise, spanning consultancy, environmental protection, scientific research, digital innovation, and capacity development. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive examination of both the technical and human dimensions of the transition, firmly grounded in the realities of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Through discussion, exchange and interactive polls, participants will address community readiness, skills and competence mapping, and the creation of flexible training pathways that meet both immediate and long-term needs. By placing people at the center of the transition, the workshop seeks not only to prepare seafarers and port professionals for the changes ahead, but also to embed environmental awareness and leadership throughout the maritime value chain.
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About the world maritime university
The World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden is established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. The mission of WMU is to be the world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and oceans education, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable development. WMU is an organization by and for the international maritime community and is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Agenda.
About the wmu-sasakawa global ocean institute
The World Maritime University’s WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (WMU-GOI) is an independent focal point for the ocean science-policy-law-industry-society interface where policymakers, the scientific community, regulators, industry actors, academics, and representatives of civil society meet to discuss how best to manage and use ocean spaces and their resources in accordance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Institute was inaugurated in May 2018 and made possible through generous support from The Nippon Foundation of Japan, the Governments of Sweden, Canada, and Germany, as well as the City of Malmö
About the METAVASEA PROJECT
METAVASEA is a four year project coordinated by the Hellenic Marine
Environmental Protection Association (HELMEPA) and supported by the Lloyd’s
Register Foundation. The project trains and upskills 1,500 seafarers, shipping
professionals, and port workers in new fuels, digital awareness, marine environmental awareness, and soft skills. It also boosts the involvement of shipping companies and ports in maritime decarbonization initiatives enhances accident prevention.