Pusan National University hosted the “Next-Generation Ship Technology Leadership Seminar”, featuring Claudene Sharp-Patel, Global Technical Director at Lloyd’s Register, a leading international maritime classification society.

Sharp-Patel is a prominent female leader in the maritime and marine engineering industries, with more than 30 years of professional experience. Throughout her career, she has served as a consultant to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and worked in marine accident investigation. She specializes in maritime decarbonization, digitalization, safety, and technical governance. Notably, she was the first woman in Australia to obtain a combined 1st Class Chief Engineer’s Certificate of Competency, marking a significant milestone for women in marine engineering.

During the seminar, Sharp-Patel shared insights into next-generation ship technologies and the future of sustainable shipping, drawing on her extensive experience in international maritime organizations and Lloyd’s Register. The discussion also explored the role of leadership in driving technological transformation across the maritime industry, particularly in response to the growing importance of decarbonization and digitalization.

Following the seminar, PNU also organized a meeting with female graduate students and researchers in marine engineering, providing an opportunity to engage directly with a female leader from a globally recognized classification society. The meeting aimed to encourage the next generation of female maritime professionals by offering insights into international career opportunities, leadership, and emerging maritime technologies. It also highlighted the importance of expanding global industry–academia collaboration and supporting women's participation in the maritime sector.

PNU’s Hydrogen Ship Technology Center and Lloyd’s Register previously signed an MoU in April 2025, followed by a second agreement in April 2026 to establish a joint performance evaluation and certification x-framework for liquefied hydrogen carriers and related marine equipment. Building on these partnerships, the Lloyd’s Register delegation visited PNU’s Hydrogen Ship Technology Center and toured its testing and evaluation facilities for liquid hydrogen technologies. During the visit, representatives from both institutions also discussed opportunities to expand collaboration on liquefied hydrogen carriers and related marine equipment, laying the groundwork for further cooperation in technology testing, verification, and certification.

Building on this event and its established partnerships, PNU aims to further strengthen collaboration between its Hydrogen Ship Technology Center and Lloyd’s Register. Through these continued efforts, the University seeks to expand international research partnerships and advance technological competitiveness in the maritime energy sector.

Photo: PNU hosting the Next-Generation Ship Technology Leadership Seminar