MAJ officer awarded doctorate in marine policy

Eric Deans, director of shipping and policy research at the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), recently returned to Jamaica after completing a PhD degree in marine policy at the University of Delaware in the fall of 2011.

Dr Deans conducted timely and relevant research which focused on cargo flow dynamics, in particular, how containerised traffic is impacted by the Panama Canal expansion. Since Jamaica is strategically located close to the Panama Canal, the research provides up-to-date insights that could allow Jamaica to capitalise on maritime opportunities with North America, South America, the Caribbean and Asia. The research analyses shippers' preferences for ports and designed a model that could be used to prioritise investments in ports.

Environmental component

Additionally, the strong environmental component of the academic programme also provided support for Dr Dean's participation as a delegate to the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) where he was appointed to be Jamaica's representative to the committee, and served as a member of the IMO Expert Group on market-based measures to reduce ship emissions. He authored a proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emission from ships through port-state control measures. This proposal was presented by Jamaica at the 62nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the IMO.

Completing the highest academic degree is a considerable accomplishment, and the MAJ and the wider shipping community congratulate Dr Deans and look forward to his future contributions to Jamaica's maritime development.