Japan–Europe Summer Course 2026 Held at the World Maritime University in Sweden!

2026.09.09

<<Program Overview>>

<Pre-course Online Seminar>

Date and Time: July 23 (Thu.), 17:00–19:00 (Japan Standard Time)

[Dates]: August 19 (Wed.)–August 27 (Thu.), 2026 (9 days)

[Venue]: World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden

[Theme]: AI Applications in Maritime and Ocean Studies – Applications of AI in the Marine and Maritime Fields –

[Program Content]:

The Summer Course was held at the World Maritime University (WMU), featuring lectures and practical sessions on the application of AI in the marine and maritime fields. Participants explored a wide range of topics, including ocean observation, fisheries, maritime transport, logistics, maritime law, and maritime education, and learned about the latest applications of AI as well as the associated legal and social challenges. Through lectures and exchanges of views among participants, they were also exposed to different academic disciplines and cultural backgrounds, deepening their understanding from diverse perspectives.

In addition, excursions in Sweden and Denmark provided opportunities to deepen participants’ understanding of Nordic history and culture and their connections with the maritime sector. Through these diverse learning and exchange experiences, the course offered a valuable opportunity to develop not only specialized knowledge, but also interdisciplinary perspectives, international collaboration skills, and multicultural understanding.

[Number of Participants]: 12 (6 from Hiroshima University and 6 from European partner universities)

[Participating Universities]: Hiroshima University (Japan), World Maritime University (Sweden), Ca’ Foscari University of Venice (Italy), University of the Basque Country (Spain)

【Summer Course Schedule】

Theme: “Setting the Scene on the Understanding of AI”

● Morning: Introduction & Welcome Address; Welcome Address: AI, Ethical Questions and Higher Education; 　Foundations of AI: From the Turing Test to Generative Deep Learning

● Afternoon: Demystifying Neural Networks: Biology, Architecture and Training; The First Maritime Discussion: AI Applications and the International Shipping Industry; reception

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Theme: “AI Applications in the “Blue Economy” and in Ocean Sustainability”

● Morning: AI Applications for Aquaculture; Understanding Sea Waves: Physics, Measurement Techniques and AI Models

● Afternoon: Using AI to Reveal Vessel Activity at Sea: An Introduction to Global Fishing Watch; “Re-Inventing Logistics” – Examples of Applied Agentic AI

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Theme: “AI Applications and the Law – Regulatory Level and Maritime Contracts”

● Morning: How to Regulate AI (What if AI “misbehaves”?) – incl. EU AI Act Elements and the Role of Industry Standards (ISO/IEC 42001:2023); Standardized Shipping Contracts and Maritime Operations: The “Expert in the Loop” and the Emerging Role of Agentic AI

● Afternoon: AI Generates “Big” Data: The Relevance of (EU) Data Law (Obligations and Rights); Inter-University Exchange Project (EU) Joint Meeting (faculty and staff only)

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● Excursion (Sweden): 　Hiking in Söderåsen National Park; visits to Lund Cathedral and Lund University

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● Free time

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Theme: “AI Applications in Maritime Safety / Impact of AI Technology on Seafarers / Impact of AI in Ports”

● Morning: Making a Case for Safety Assurance of AI in Maritime Transport; What is Ship Weather Routing – What Data Do We Need and the Role of AI

● Afternoon: AI at Sea – Positive / Negative Implications for Seafarers and Maritime Labour Law; Smart Ports – The Role of AI in Modern Energy Management

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Theme: “AI’s Emerging Role in Maritime Education”

● Morning: AI in Maritime Education and Training – An overview and policy considerations; SEAORAMA: “Bring Maritime Training to Life with AI, Avatars and Simulations”

● Afternoon: Group Work Presentations (Conclusions) on the Emerging “AI-native” World for the Maritime Sector (or other Sectors) / Roundtable Discussion; Certificate Award Ceremony (WMU President)

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●Excursion (Denmark): 　Ferry ride from Helsingborg to Helsingør; visits to the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark and Kronborg Castle; sightseeing in Copenhagen (The Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace, and the Copenhagen Opera House)

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● Morning: Walk around the Nyhavn area

● Afternoon: Free time

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＊Acknowledgements＊

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the faculty and staff of the World Maritime University for their tremendous efforts in planning and organizing this Summer Course. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the organizations and companies that contributed to the lectures and other activities.

We would also like to thank the faculty members of our partner universities for their warm support, as well as all the participating students for their enthusiastic engagement in the lectures and various activities and for helping make the Summer Course a rewarding and memorable experience.