Module title:<\/strong> Maritime Policy, Decarbonisation and Global Governance Decarbonisation of shipping is now a central maritime policy priority, driven by updated IMO greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy targets, regional initiatives such as the inclusion of maritime transport in the EU Emissions Trading System and emerging national measures. Carbon pricing options, including levies, offsetting schemes and emissions trading, are being debated alongside complementary measures like green corridors and fuel standards, while policy makers try to avoid carbon leakage, hub relocation and disproportionate impacts on developing states. In parallel, sanctions regimes and AI-enabled monitoring tools are reshaping compliance and enforcement landscapes, raising questions about fairness, sustainability and data governance in global maritime trade. This assessment trains you to think and write in the concise, action-oriented format used in government departments, intergovernmental organisations and industry associations.<\/p>\n Prepare a 1,500\u20132,000 word policy brief<\/strong> aimed at senior decision-makers (for example a transport ministry, regional organisation, port authority, or industry association) on one<\/strong> of the following themes (or a tutor-approved variant):<\/p>\n Maritime decarbonisation and just transition<\/strong><\/p>\n Advise on how to design a national or regional maritime decarbonisation strategy that is consistent with updated IMO GHG goals while addressing distributional impacts on vulnerable states, ports and supply chains.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Carbon pricing in shipping<\/strong><\/p>\n Assess policy options for pricing GHG emissions from international shipping (for example levy, offsetting, ETS) and recommend a preferred approach or package for the client jurisdiction, addressing effectiveness, competitiveness and equity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n Sanctions, trade turbulence and maritime sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n Analyse how sanctions and trade disruptions affect maritime supply chains and environmental performance and propose measures to limit negative spillovers while maintaining compliance.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n AI and digital tools for decarbonisation and compliance<\/strong><\/p>\n Evaluate the potential and risks of using AI-based monitoring and analytics to support decarbonisation targets, carbon pricing enforcement and sanctions compliance in shipping, including governance and data issues.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Your policy brief must:<\/p>\n i. Define the policy problem and audience<\/strong><\/p>\n State clearly who the brief is for (for example \u201cMinistry of Transport, State X\u201d) and what decision or process it is meant to inform.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Summarise the problem in 3\u20135 sentences, using concrete indicators where possible (for example emissions trends, cost impacts, trade exposure).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n ii. Summarise the evidence base<\/strong><\/p>\n Present relevant facts, trends and scenarios drawing on recent empirical and policy studies (for example decarbonisation surveys, carbon pricing analyses, sanctions impact research).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Use simple charts or tables where appropriate (if permitted) and keep technical terms to what is necessary for decision-makers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n iii. Set out policy options<\/strong><\/p>\n Identify 2\u20134 concrete policy options or packages, such as specific forms of carbon pricing, support measures for vulnerable actors, or digital compliance tools.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Briefly describe how each option works and what institutional changes would be required.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n iv. Analyse trade-offs and distributional effects<\/strong><\/p>\n Compare options using clear criteria such as environmental effectiveness, cost, competitiveness, impacts on developing countries, political feasibility and administrative complexity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Highlight who gains and who loses under each option, including small island developing states, landlocked developing countries, ports and carriers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n v. Provide clear recommendations<\/strong><\/p>\n State a preferred option or package and justify it succinctly with reference to the evidence and criteria.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Include 3\u20136 specific, actionable recommendations with indicative timelines or sequencing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n vi. Point to implementation and monitoring needs<\/strong><\/p>\n Flag key implementation risks (for example carbon leakage, hub switching, compliance gaps, data limitations) and suggest how to monitor and adjust policy over time.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Title and subtitle (1 page header style)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Executive summary (150\u2013200 words)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Background and problem statement<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n Evidence and current landscape<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n Policy options<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n Assessment of options and distributional impacts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n Recommendations and implementation considerations<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n References \/ further reading (Harvard style; concise list)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Annex (optional: one page of supporting data or definitions)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Word count: 1,500\u20132,000 words (excluding references and annex). State the word count on the front page.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Style: Policy brief format with clear headings, subheadings and short paragraphs; bullet points allowed where they improve clarity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Font and spacing: 11- or 12-point font, 1.15\u20131.5 line spacing, appropriate white space to mimic professional policy briefs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Referencing: Harvard style; keep the reference list focused on key sources (typically 8\u201312 items).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Audience: Write in accessible, non-technical language suitable for informed but non-specialist decision-makers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n LO1: Explain the main policy instruments and governance debates around maritime decarbonisation, carbon pricing, sanctions and related AI tools.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n LO2: Synthesise complex technical and economic evidence into concise, decision-oriented briefing material.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n LO3: Evaluate distributional and justice implications of maritime climate and compliance policies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n LO4: Formulate clear, actionable policy recommendations for governmental or organisational clients.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n LO5: Communicate in a professional policy brief format used in industry and international organisations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The policy brief will be marked out of 100 and contributes 20\u201330% of the module grade.<\/p>\n
Assessment type:<\/strong> Individual policy brief
Weighting:<\/strong> 20\u201330% of module grade (see module handbook)
Length:<\/strong> 1,500\u20132,000 words (excluding references, figures and annexes)
Submission format:<\/strong> Policy brief (DOCX or PDF) via the VLE\/learning portal
Level:<\/strong> Final-year undergraduate \/ postgraduate taught (Level 6\/7 equivalent)<\/p>\nAssessment Context<\/h2>\n
Assessment Task<\/h2>\n
Task Description<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Core Requirements<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Indicative Structure<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Formatting and Submission Requirements<\/h2>\n
\n
Learning Outcomes Assessed<\/h2>\n
\n
Marking Criteria and Scoring Rubric<\/h2>\n