The PCD course in Istanbul, Turkey led by Miguel Nuñez-Sanchez
Galataport Istanbul hosted the 2022 MedCruise professional development course last month, inaugurated by Figen Ayan, president of MedCruise and VP cruise operations at Galataport, and Francesca Antonelli, the association’s SVP and Valenciaport’s cruise manager.
The more than 30 participants received their certificate of attendance yesterday following the event on November 24, which looked at pollution, regulatory frameworks, and global and regional measures to increase sustainability within the cruise industry. Prepared by Miguel Nuñez-Sanchez – a negotiator at the IMO on its GHG policy, and at the EU representing maritime in Spain on Fit for 55 discussions – attendees had the chance to ask questions on issues relating to shore power, greenhouse gases and alternative fuels.
Nuñez-Sanchez has a PhD in naval and ocean engineering, an MSc degree in naval architecture and maritime engineering, and an MA degree in maritime law and shipping.
Live streaming rounds off the day plus port tour
An on-site visit to the port was led by Ayan who showed its facilities and told course participants about the sustainability actions being carried out.
The day ended with a live-streamed panel on the MedCruise YouTube channel moderated by Antonelli, which included Nuñez-Sanchez, Heidi Neilson, environmental manager, Port of Oslo and Valeria Mangiarotti, marketing manager, Port Network Authority of the Sardinian Sea.
Neilson also leads the committee for sustainable development for the European Sea Ports Organization (ESPO) while Mangiarotti is chairperson of the Cruise and Ferry Port Network.
The panelists expressed during the relaxed discussion their handling of sustainability matters, and agreed that continuous training on sustainability issues and good communication with stakeholders is necessary to implement sustainability projects at sea and on land.
According to MedCruise, feedback has included attendees gaining broader understanding of terminology and gaining essential knowledge to follow, understand, discuss and take environmental-related decisions.
