Our Maritime students have just returned from their annual field trip, organized by Dr. Emmanuel Nikolaidis, Assistant Professor at the Department of Maritime Transport and Commerce (DMTC), and Dr. Nicolas Berketis, Lecturer at the same department.

The field trip took place from June 18th to June 21st, 2024, in London, and included visits, seminars, and workshops at renowned maritime organizations.

Students visited several notable sites of maritime interest, including The Bayes Business School, Intercargo, Lloyd's of London, the Baltic Exchange, and Leadenhall Market, among others.

The Department's field trips began in 2019, with three trips completed so far: London in 2019, Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, and The Hague in 2023, and the recent trip to London in 2024. No trips were organized during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021–2022).

"Field trips are crucial for young students in the shipping business as they provide practical experience, enhance engagement, develop essential skills, offer networking opportunities, and contribute to a broader educational perspective," says Dr. Nikolaidis, who accompanied the students to London. He explains, "These experiences can significantly enrich students' understanding and appreciation of the shipping industry, better preparing them for future careers in this field. Field trips provide practical understanding and hands-on experience, as well as real-world exposure to the shipping operational and regulatory bodies across the world."

Dr. Nikolaidis further elaborates, "Visiting ports like the Port of Antwerp, shipyards like EDR, the International Maritime Organization, Intercargo, the European Shipowners Association, the Baltic Exchange, Lloyd's of London, P&I Clubs, the European Parliament, and the European Commission, as well as institutions like Clarksons Research, the Royal Observatory, the Atomium, and the Cutty Sark, helps students understand the complexities of the industry beyond theoretical knowledge. The engaging and interactive nature of these trips makes the learning process memorable and fosters a deeper interest in the field. Observing professionals at work and understanding their roles inspire students to pursue careers in the shipping industry. Our students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they analyze how different processes work together. Moreover, field trips provide opportunities to meet and connect with industry professionals, potentially leading to mentorship or internship opportunities. They also contribute to industry awareness, helping students understand current trends, challenges, and innovations, thus preparing them for their future careers."

Frederick University is thankful to the field trip's sponsors, Island Oil Holdings and DP World Limassol, for providing this great opportunity to our students.