Blue economy in Bangladesh: SMMI gives keynote presentation at International Seminar on Sustainable Maritime Development and Governance

SMMI member Professor Andrew Serdy, Director of the Institute of Maritime Law, Southampton Law School, presented a keynote lecture “Impact of Maritime Law and UNCLOS III on Ocean Governance” at an international seminar “An Outlook for Sustainable Maritime Development and Governance: Challenges and Way Ahead” hosted by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University (BSMRMU) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The invitation followed a visit to the University of Southampton from the Vice Chancellor and a delegation from BSMRMU hosted by SMMI in July this year to discuss potential collaboration.

Speakers at the seminar included representatives from countries with Bay of Bengal coastlines (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh itself) and international institutions (the World Bank and UNCTAD).  Key topics included the prospects of the blue economy and maritime development for the Bay of Bengal littoral, energy scenarios in the Bay of Bengal – prospects and challenges, digitised interconnected and energy-efficient smart ports, and the prospects of marine natural resources in developing health care products.