Discussions at Climate Change, Transition and Path to Sustainability in Shipping and Energy Sectors on the Agenda of IISTL
The Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law of Swansea University, in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin (Energy Institute and the Institute of Transnational Law) and National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Law, hosted an international event in London (Institute of Advance Legal Studies) on 10 April 2025 deliberating pertinent legal and political issues on the “Role of Shipping and Energy Sectors in Tackling Climate Change”.
The event was part of an agreement between the universities to host similar events in three jurisdictions (UK, USA, and Greece) with the remaining events to take place over the next 2 years. It was well attended bringing academics, industry experts, and legal practitioners together to discuss the transition towards a sustainable future.
In a new format attempted for this event, speakers were allocated only 15 minutes to make their points and at the end of each session, a lengthy debate time was allocated which allowed the audience to ask questions and offer insights. It is intended that the papers submitted will be published in book format under the editorship of academic leads from each of the three institutions.
The following delivered papers and/or offered chairing at the event:
- Professor Owen Anderson, University of Texas at Austin
- Professor Lia Athanassiou, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Professor Simon Baughen, Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law, Swansea University
- Dr Richard Cadell, Cardiff University, School of Law and Politics
- Mr Paul Dean, Global Head of Shipping. HFW
- Professor John S Dzienkowski, University of Texas at Austin
- Professor Dr Lauren Fielder, Institute of Transnational Law, University of Texas at Austin
- Mr Neil Henderson, Gard AS, Arendal and London
- Mr Cathal Leigh-Doyle, Partner, Stephenson Harwood LLP
- Professor James Hu, Shanghai Maritime University
- Mr Grant Hunter, BIMCO, Denmark
- Rear Admiral Fred Kenney, Past Director of Legal and External Affairs at IMO and Member of the Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law
- Dr Tabetha Kurtz-Shefford, Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law, Swansea University
- Dr Wenwen Li, Shanghai Maritime University
- Ms Johanna Ohlman, Associate, HFW, London
- Professor Manos Mastromanolis, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Dr Pia Rebelo, City Law School
- Mr Alessio Sbraga, Partner, HFW, London
- Professor Michael Sturley, University of Texas at Austin
- Professor Baris Soyer, Director, Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law, Swansea University
- Professor Melinda E Taylor, Energy Institute, University of Texas at Austin
- Professor Andrew Tettenborn, Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law, Swansea University
Speaking after the event, Professor Soyer said: “I am grateful to Professors Lauren Fielder, Michael Sturley and Lia Athanasiou for sharing our vision and making this excellent collaboration between our three elite institutions a reality. We are already looking forward to the second event in Texas next year. I am also grateful to my team at Swansea for their input and support. Also, many thanks to those delegates who filled the Hugh Parry Council Chamber at the ILAS and contributed with excellent questions. Last but not least, I am grateful to HFW for supporting this event and being our main sponsor.”
