Daniel Adam

Biography

Daniel Adam was born in the Seychelles, and partly raised on a small tanker trading in the Middle East, as his father was a Captain. He later lived and was educated in Australia and the United States, before beginning his cadetship at Warsash Maritime College in the UK in 1998. Over the next 20 years he attained the rank of Captain in the Merchant Navy, serving almost exclusively in the oil trade. During his time as Captain, he served on product tankers trading predominantly in the Baltic and North sea region. 

Introduction to research

I was seeking an area of research that would allow me to understand how the maritime sector may evolve with the adoption of new technology. That led me to looking at different technologies that may impact the maritime sector in the future. My dissertation project is looking into how bloackchain technology may aid the bunker industry in dispute resolution. The bunker industry has been impacted by the OW Bunker case and the Houston contaminated bunker issue, that is still ongoing in a legal context, as well as the upcoming changes that IMO 2020 will have on the industry (including the Bunker Delivery Note). Blockchain technology may aid in assisting the industry to answer these challenges. The question is to illustrate how this technology may aid in dispute resolution, either through reducing the risk of disputes or through aiding in resolving the dispute through the technology. The research may offer insight to stakeholders in the industry in demonstrating how this technology may be used and the benefits in the adoption.

Why did you choose maritime as your area of study and research?

My personal background was the reason I chose to pursue further knowledge in the maritime sector, by choosing a course that would broaden my knowledge. I felt that gaining knowledge in both Port Management and Logistics would bolster the knowledge gained through my time as an officer in the Merchant Navy. 

What do you hope to get out of participating in the Maritime Masters programme?

My personal goal in participating in the Maritime Master’s programme is primarily to enhance my knowledge and understanding of the industry beyond my experience as a Captain in the spot charter oil market. My research allows me to develop an understanding of digital technology and broaden my knowledge in Law. The programme also offers me an opportunity to pursue a career ashore on completion and this will offer me further experiences and challenges. I also hope my research may provide additional knowledge to an industry that has offered me challenges and experiences that I value greatly.