Interview: Mathias Haase and Evi Plomaritou, Lloyd’s Maritime Academy
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Lloyd’s Maritime Academy’s inception. Set up as the training arm for Lloyd’s List, the institution now offer over 150 courses in shipping, encompassing law and insurance as well as ports and terminals, maritime safety, offshore energy and more. To commemorate the anniversary, Insurance Marine News speaks to two of Lloyd’s Maritime Academy’s course tutors about their chartering and insurance courses.
Why should companies be focusing on training now?
MH: If you’re in the business already, it’s very important to get a full understanding. We have some very interesting years coming up so you must be prepared for opportunities in the market.
EP: Training is the instrument which helps shipping companies prosper in a globally and fiercely competitive market. More specifically, professional training assists shipping companies to gain a competitive edge, to maximise profits, to plot strategies and business policies, and above all, to improve the quality of their most important asset; the human resource!
What do you think are some of the most important changes and challenges in the industry?
EP: E-chartering, the changing role of middlemen, autonomous ships, digitalisation, robotics, new technologies, ballast water management systems, environmental concerns and restrictions, IMO regulations on sulphur emissions and quality of bunkers, integration of transport systems and logistics, new trading patterns & cargo routes, development of information management systems, scarcity of capital and new types of financing, effective risk management, and corporate structures of shipping companies.
MH: The business is progressing fast and facing big challenges with digitalization and environmental constraints. In an ever more competitive business, both charterers and owners have to find their way to succeed.
What advice would you give people looking to move into chartering and insurance?
EP: Shipping, and even more so chartering, is a demanding, challenging workplace. Devoted, hard-working, open-minded, consistent, self-confident and well-trained people are more than welcome in this industry! Chartering business requires a wide spectrum of knowledge on financial, operational, practical, legal and managerial shipping matters.
Is there any benefit in studying the courses online?
MH: Online learning is the way forward. There is no need any more for expensive travel costs and taking days of works when you can have a course that you can follow on your own time. It gives you flexible hours which is what most people want.
Mathias Haase teaches the new Certificate in Tanker Chartering, and Evi Plomaritou is a module author and in-company trainer for Lloyd’s Maritime Academy. For more information on the maritime law and insurance courses offered by Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, please go to www.lloydsmaritimeacademy.com/IMN-July or email [email protected].
MH: Online learning is the way forward. There is no need any more for expensive travel costs and taking days of works when you can have a course that you can follow on your own time. It gives you flexible hours which is what most people want.
Mathias Haase teaches the new Certificate in Tanker Chartering, and Evi Plomaritou is a module author and in-company trainer for Lloyd’s Maritime Academy. For more information on the maritime law and insurance courses offered by Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, please go to www.lloydsmaritimeacademy.com/IMN-July or email [email protected].