The International Dimension of Maritime Law and Policy

Summer Academy

01-05 September 2025
Malmö, Sweden

ABOUT THE COURSE

The WMU Summer Academy course- on the International Dimension of Maritime Law and Policy- brings together an impressive roster of esteemed academics and industry experts to teach on the realm of maritime claims in a wider context.

Maritime transport is an essential pillar for world trade, carrying over 80% of international merchandise by volume. Serving the contractual needs of the commercial parties is one aspect of maritime law. However, these needs cannot be viewed in isolation of the challenges for shipping and the existing complex regulatory environment. This course introduces the participant to maritime claims in a wider context including arbitration, ship registration, insurance, decarbonization, compulsory liability, and the impact of sanctions on shipping. The curriculum extends further to electronic transport documents in light of cyberthreats, the repercussions that will ensue for shipping from autonomous ships, and the impact of sanctions for shipping.

About the Summer Academy

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.

Special Guest

Every year we host a member of the English Judiciary, who introduces the programme and confers the certificates. This year we have the honour to host The Right Honourable Sir Julian Flaux, The Chancellor of the High Court.

Instructors

The WMU Summer Academy course on The International Dimension of Maritime Law and Policy is coordinated by Professor George Theocharidis and will be delivered by external experts and WMU Faculty.

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BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION

On successful completion of the Summer Academy course on The International Dimension of Maritime Law and Policy, the participant should be able to:

• Understand the legal challenges in the shipping sector;
• Understand the concept of ship registration and how it is undermined by fraudulent registration practices;
• Appreciate the significance of sanctions compliance and the repercussions in case of breach;
• Understand the problem of maritime disruption and how marine insurance can assuage the negative consequences;
• Appreciate the risks and legal challenges in a liability regime for autonomous ships;
• Understand the existing legal framework for ship collisions, especially the rule on liability apportionment;
• Grasp the principles that apply in the law of salvage and appreciate the significance of an LOF in a salvage operation;
• Achieve an overview of the compulsory liability regime in shipping and understand the challenges that lie ahead for the sector;
• Understand the IMO GHG strategy on decarbonization and associate its relevance to practical aspects, such as vessel chartering;
• Gain a deeper understanding of transport documents, especially e-docs;
• Understand the current risks of cyberthreats and their impact on the shipping sector;
• Understand the significance of due diligence in corporate sustainability of the shipping sector;
• Gain knowledge on a range of significant issues pertaining to maritime claim satisfaction, such as provision of security by ship arrest, claim enforcement, including the mechanism of judicial sale, transboundary maritime bankruptcies, as well as the international dimension of dispute resolution.

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

This Summer Academy course is open to professionals (lawyers, shipping company executives, senior claims officers, etc.), public servants (judges, maritime administrative officers, etc.), graduate students, researchers, academics, and individuals who are interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of the main topics of maritime law.

CERTIFICATE

Participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion, and receive an official programme outlining the topics covered.

‍COURSE STRUCTURE

The course schedule is daily from 09.00-17.00 with lunch provided as well as a morning and afternoon coffee break.

Day 1 – Current Challenges for Shipping

Day 2 – New Technologies in Shipping

Day 3 - Liability

Day 4 – Regulatory Compliance and Commercial Relationships

Day 5 – Maritime Claims

Presentation of certificates by Sir Julian Flaux (in situ)

‍ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• There are no academic prerequisites for participation in the The International Dimension of Maritime Law and Policy programme, however, it is preferred that participants have completed their education to at least a Bachelor's degree level and/or have several years of professional experience.
• Participants will be selected based on curriculum vitae, academic and professional career. Students applicants must also submit a letter of motivation.
• The programme is delivered in English and participants must be able to follow the programme delivery in this language.
• There is a maximum limit of 25 on the number of participants.

KEY DATES

Course Dates: 1-5 September 2025
Application deadline: 20 July 2025

*Late applications will still be considered subject to availability.

‍FEES‍

Full - $ 1,750 USD
Early bird deadline (31 May 2025) - $ 1,500 USD
Students/WMU Alumni - $ 1,000 USD

Fees include:

• in-class attendance with access to learning materials
• refreshments (morning and afternoon coffee breaks) and lunches provided during the programme delivery

Accommodation is not included in the programming fee. However, upon acceptance of your application, you will be guided to the hotel that provides the special rate for the programme participants.

Get in touch

Contact us : summer.academy@wmu.se

Applications

All applications must be completed online. Paper applications are not available.

Apply: The International Dimension of Maritime Law and Policy