Voices from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute

Building local legal expertise in emerging maritime economies

Lloyd's Register Foundation

1. Introduction

2. Sri Lanka

3. Kenya

4. Tuvalu

5. Bahamas

6. Nigeria

7. Madagascar

8. Syria

9. Costa Rica

Introduction

Lloyd's Register Foundation supports postgraduate students with fully funded fellowships to pursue studies at the IMO International Maritime Legal Institute (IMLI) in Malta. Since our strategic partnership started over 20 years ago, 56 Foundation-funded maritime law experts have successfully graduated from IMLI, including 37 women and more than 21 from the African continent specifically.

The Foundation’s funding has helped ensure maritime professionals around the world have the skills required to prescribe IMO conventions into national law and uphold them effectively, improving safety at sea and building local legal expertise in emerging maritime economies.

Earlier this year, the Foundation commissioned Makerchange Studios to produce an 8-part, global interview series, highlighting the careers of former Lloyd’s Register Foundation-funded graduates at the IMO’s International Maritime Law Institute. These films celebrate the extraordinary impact these individuals have made on the ocean economy in their home nations, and explore the unique challenges faced by those who work at sea (and the communities they serve) in lower-middle-income countries and Small Island Developing States.

The emergence of new infrastructures, systems and technologies throughout the maritime system is bringing us closer to net zero, but it also creates new safety challenges for those working at sea. As the blue economy rapidly scales up to meet the needs of a growing population, the need for more robust, international regulatory frameworks will become even more acute. Our partnership with IMLI reinforces our commitment to better ocean governance and ensures that people working across the maritime system are safe from harm.

Tim Slingsby, Director of Skills and Education, Lloyd’s Register Foundation

“Lloyd’s Register Foundation has been a great supporter of the IMO International Maritime Law Institute since its establishment and has always believed in the Institute’s mission for enhancement of capacity-building around the globe. I am grateful to the Foundation and all its staff for understanding why the international maritime community needs IMLI now more than ever.”
Norman Martinez Gutierrez Director, IMLI

Across the world, postgraduates from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) are building local legal expertise and keeping our seas safe.

Here are their stories.

Sri Lanka

“Sri Lanka has always been a maritime nation, our coasts connect us to trade and to the world.”
Vikum De Abrew, IMLI graduate

With funding from Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Vikum De Abrew graduated from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute in 2010. Now a vital link between international regulations and local action, Vikum, is an Additional Solicitor General at Sri Lanka’s Attorney General’s Department and a President’s Counsel.

“Over 100,000 Sri Lankans earn a living in the maritime sectors. That is why is it so important to strengthen our maritime laws, protect the industry, the livelihood of our communities, and our seas.”

His legal expertise has helped to align Sri Lanka’s maritime industry with IMO regulations, and in turn is improving safety, security and environmental protection in the region.

Kenya

“The maritime industry is crucial for our economy, and for our future as a connected, prosperous nation.
Ashley Toywa, IMLI graduate

Ashley Toywa graduated from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute in 2023. Through his studies, funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Ashley has gained a broad legal foundation, from international law and contacts, maritime security and environmental protection.

Now in his role as Principle State Counsel at the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice, Ashley is a vital link between international regulations and local action. He is helping transform Kenya into one of the world’s emerging maritime economies.

“Local fishing communities need the support of maritime lawyers. My department, the Office of the Attorney General partnered with Kenya Shipyards Limited to help fishing communities access safer boats.”

With Ashley’s leadership, local communities now have access to safety equipment like life jackets, subsidised vessels, and the knowledge to keep them safe at sea.

Tuvalu

“In one of the world’s most remote nations, safe shipping isn’t optional, it’s a lifeline.”
Simon Kofe, IMLI graduate

In Tuvalu, around 40% of revenue comes from the fisheries sector. But rising sea levels mean in as little as 50 years’ time, Tuvalu could be fully submerged, threatening the safety of this island nation and its people.

Simon Kofe graduated from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute in 2014, where with Foundation-funding, he studied how maritime law can protect seafarers and the communities they serve.

Today, he is Minister of Transport, Energy, Communications and Innovation, and with Simon’s leadership, Tuvalu is aligning its domestic shipping laws with IMO conventions, turning international standards into everyday safety for those who work at sea.

Simon’s work is helping preserve the cultural identity and traditions of his home nation in the face of an uncertain future.

“In Tuvalu, where not just protecting the people in the present. We’re also protecting our future, our voice, and our right to exist as a nation.”

Bahamas

“The ocean is more than just a backdrop, it is part of our lives, our tradition.”
Dierdre Maycock, IMLI graduate

Dierdre Maycock graduated from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute in 2012. Now Acting Registrar General of The Bahamas, she has contributed to the country’s success as one of the world’s top-performing ship registries, ranking highly on international safety.

The Bahamas’ legal system is evolving to meet the safety challenges caused by geopolitics and a changing climate. Deidre has played a critical role in making maritime law a priority in the region, passing on her sector knowledge to the next generation of legal experts.

Nigeria

“The ports, by nature, are a labyrinth of complex legal issues. Jurisdictions matter within the vessel, the cargo, and so many things.”
Ahmad Wanka, IMLI graduate

Maritime lawyers are often the vital link between international regulations and national enforcement. The IMO International Maritime Law Institute provides graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to keep our seas safe.

“The ports in Nigeria are the gateways to the nation’s economy, over 90% of the goods we trade in this country come through the ports.”

Since graduating from IMLI in 2012, Ahmad Wanka, now General Manger of Regulatory Services for the Nigerian Ports Authority, has been a driving force in legal reform and modernisation across the region.

Ahmad is helping to update port policies across Nigeria, shifting focus from outdated laws and revenue collections toward safety, growth and trade facilitation.

Madagascar

“The sea shapes daily life for millions in Madagascar. As an island nation, the sea is our vital link to the rest of the world.”
Felicien Rabutin, IMLI graduate

The fishing and blue economy sector contributes around 7% to Madagascar’s GPR, and fishery exports generated $156 million in 2024. Thanks to Madagascar’s Exclusive Economic Zone, there is potential to further grow the country’s maritime economy. But week regulations and neglected maritime laws put people’s safety at risk.

With funding from Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Felicien Rabutin, graduated from the IMO International Maritime Institute in 2016. His training has provided him with the necessary skills to prescribe IMO conventions into national law and build a safe and sustainable blue economy in Madagascar.

Now, in his role as Legislation and Litigation Unit Head Maritime Administration of Madagascar, Felicien is supporting the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. This will provide seafarers, both on international and domestic vessels, with greater protection and safer working conditions.

Syria

“Today, a strong maritime economy is undoubtedly a key factor in rebuilding Syria.”
Adnan Haj, IMLI graduate

With funding from Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Adnan Haj graduated from IMLI in 2012. Today, he is General Director for the Syrian Maritime Authority and is helping to rebuild the country’s maritime economy.

“My mission is to reintegrate Syria into the international maritime system, focusing on maritime employment, qualifications and ensuring that the Syrian seafarer is protected by both local and international regulations.”

Syria once had one of the region’s strongest maritime systems. Adnan is using his expertise to restore what was lost, and shape a maritime future that is safe and sustainable for the Syrian people.

Costa Rica

“For us, the ocean and the sea are very important, as they give us food, oxygen, and above all, work and happiness.”
Paola Acuna, IMLI graduate

Costa Rica has 3.5% of the world’s marine diversity, but it is under threat from maritime security issues, pollution and climate change.

With funding from Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Paola Acuna graduated from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute in 2009. She is now a Legal Advisor at the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, where her legal expertise is strengthening Costa Rica’s maritime laws and preserving the country’s unique marine ecosystem.

“Without maritime policy and robust legal system, it’s very difficult to protect the oceans as they exist now.”

Paola has recently secured new regulations for recovering lost fishing gear, which currently pose a threat to fisherman and the environment. As the first and only Costa Rican graduate from IMLI, Paola is a driving force for educated others on international maritime laws and ocean protection.