Ethics in Maritime: from AI and anti-corruption to salvage and seafarer rights
Expect big topics and thought-provoking discussions at the joint IMarEST and RINA Ethics in Shipbuilding and Maritime Engineering symposium
A wide range of issues will be under debate on 1st July 2026, when IMarEST and RINA (Royal Institution of Naval Architects) host the Ethics in Shipbuilding and Maritime Engineering event at Southampton Solent University.
“The key aim of the symposium is to discuss and highlight the wide range of ethical issues in maritime,” explains Sue Harland, President of the IMarEST & RINA Southern Joint Branch.
With an opening keynote address from Claudene Sharp-Patel, President Elect of the IMarEST, the symposium will be divided into four main sectors of ethical issues and talking points, the first of which will be environmental ethics and sustainability at sea.
“The focus of this will be the environmental responsibilities of shipping companies including emissions, marine pollution, and sustainable practices,” says Sue Harland, who lists green shipping technologies, decarbonisation and alternative fuels, ocean biodiversity and shipping routes as some of the topics up for discussion.
Dr Azizur Rahman from the University of Toronto will present 'Well-to-Wake Emissions of Methanol-Fuelled Container Shipping on the Asia–Europe Trade Lane: A Break-Even Electricity Intensity Analysis’ while Noelita Fernando of Lloyds Register's talk is titled 'From Compliance to Commitment: Rethinking Sustainability and Biodiversity in Shipping'.
Thuladu Mazibuko will take a look at 'The Underrated Cost of Green Shipping, while Katie Wills will discuss 'Building Climate Change Resilience Through Supply Chain Stability'.
Two speakers from the MOD’s DE&S Salvage and Marine Operations (SALMO) team will tackle 'Potentially Polluting Wrecks' – wreck environmental manager, Harriet Rushton, and head of the UK MOD wreck management programme, Matt Skelhorn. Rounding off the environmental sector is entrepreneur Todd Kleperis, who will speak about 'Ethical AI and Sustainable Technology in the Ocean’s Depths'.
“The focus of the Ethics in Shipbuilding and Maritime Engineering sector will be the ethical dimensions of ship design construction and decommissioning,” says Harland. “This will include sustainable ship building materials and practices, and labour conditions in shipyards.”
Cairn Risk's Sam Bird will present 'Ethical by Design: A Proactive Lifecycle Approach to Maritime Safety and Wellbeing' while naval architect Alan Crowle will cover the 'Ethical Construction of Floating Wind Turbines'.
Next up is a look at technology, automation and maritime responsibility. Sue Harland explains this segment will concentrate on “the ethical implications of emerging technologies in shipping” with emphasis on “autonomous vessels and accountability, AI and decision-making at sea.”
Dr Andrew Rawson, associate director of NASH Maritime, will be speaking about 'Risk Tolerability for Managing Navigational Safety'. Also featured in this sector is Yrhen Bernard Balinis, whose lecture is titled 'Paying the Price for Peace: How an AI Speed Tax Secures Accountability in ASEAN Maritime and Cyber Frontiers'.
The trio of technology-based talks will also include Captain Ann Pletschke, who will (in 'an ethical perspective for the seafarer') explore the 'Human Impacts of Maritime Technology'.
“The final part of the symposium is about corporate governance and ethical leadership in maritime trade,” says Harland. “The focus is on ethical decision making in maritime business operations, with topics including anti-corruption and transparency in port operations, and ethical supply chain management.”
Five speakers have been lined up for this segment, including the Royal Navy's Lt Cdr, Edward Higgins, who will talk about 'Risk to Life Management in the Royal Navy'. Rahul Kulkarni, principal consultant at Wipro, will be presenting on 'Governing Global Shipping: Ethics, Accountability, and Resilience'.
'Navigating to Net-Zero Ambitions: The Ethical and Operational Responsibilities of Shipping Companies in the Modern Era' is the name of the talk provided by Samson Onyeabor, QHSE Manager at Offshore Turbine Services UK. Meanwhile, discussing 'A Right to a Fair Fight' is Alina Prylipko, who will discuss the 'Seafarers’ Voice in Decision and Policy-Making'. Finally, Dr Marcelo Rodrigues will speak about 'Ethics as an Expert Witness in the Maritime Industry'.
More speakers are expected to be added between now and the event, which Harland says “looks like it will be an interesting and exciting day.”
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Image: Seafarer taking a break. Credit: Shutterstock.
