Eleftheria Skaltsa

Biography

Eleftheria Skaltsa is a motivated individual who takes pleasure in being exposed to new challenges and opportunities. She would characterise herself as a responsible and flexible person, with a strong orientation towards results, a passion for knowledge and a will to complete her tasks no matter the effort required.

Introduction to research

The purpose of my master’s thesis is to analyse maritime piracy in Africa, in the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Guinea regions especially, and estimate the overall impact of maritime piracy on both the international community and the shipping industry. The methodology of the research follows a qualitative literature review including 3 methods of analysis; namely historical analysis, content analysis and case studies. Accordingly, the research will firstly identify the root causes of maritime piracy in these particular regions, secondly describe the costs deriving from piracy and armed robbery, thirdly investigate the legal regime that surrounds piracy, fourthly analyse the measures and resolution that have been adopted in the field of counter-piracy and finally critically assess their implementation and success. Additionally, there will be case studies on Somalia and Nigeria; the two countries held mainly responsible for the upsurge of piracy in East and West Africa, examining whether Somalia’s success can contribute to the decline of maritime piracy in Nigeria. 

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

My desire to study maritime and pursue a career in shipping came during my high school years, after receiving career guidance and being informed of the industry and its many aspects. I was convinced that maritime would be my area of study. My interest for the shipping industry was intensified during the first years of my academic studies. As an undergraduate, I undertook a series of modules in shipping, which helped me engage in the truly complex world of shipping while gaining a strong academic foundation. Wishing to further expand my knowledge, I went on to pursue a master's degree in Maritime Policy and Shipping Management, undertaking modules in maritime law and maritime policy among others. I chose to focus my dissertation on maritime piracy, as a global phenomenon having severe effects on  the shipping industry, as well as the international community. Facing piracy, shipping companies and other stakeholders come across various economic and trade related costs, not to mention costs concerning human safety and security. Through my research, I wish to present a high quality piece of work that could be of use to future students at Cardiff University, as well as to gain valuable knowledge that will be advantageous to me in my future career. 

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

I was drawn to this opportunity for several reasons. I believe that participating in the Maritime Masters program will be a challenge to me and my capabilities, and work to broaden my knowledge and understanding of the shipping industry. I am proud to discover that my research ranks among the top five dissertation proposals amongst my peers, and I will be pleased to attend events where I can present my hard work and findings to industry leaders and other students. I am convinced that sharing my knowledge and exchanging ideas with other participants will contribute to my better understanding of the maritime industries, and will contribute to developing my skills of communication. Additionally, I will have the chance to connect and discuss with industry representatives, to be evaluated by experts and receive recommendations to improve my work.