The legal researcher at the National Center for Environmental Compliance Monitoring, Omar Al-Mohammedi, studied one of the most dangerous contemporary environmental files: ballast water pollutants and ship wrecks. Both pose a silent threat disrupting the balance of marine systems and affecting international trade movement, in a research journey extending from Malta to the depths of the seas.
Gateway to Exploring Marine Challenges
Al-Mohammedi reviewed the beginnings of his scientific journey at the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) under the International Maritime Organization. He delved into the study of ballast water, which is water stored by ships to adjust balance and maintain stability during voyages.
Al-Mohammedi told "Alarabiya.net": "I realized from the very first moment that ballast water, despite its vital role in modern navigation, also represents one of the most dangerous gateways for the transfer of invasive species between marine environments, an impact that may last for decades."
International Agreements
His practical experience within the management of international agreements at the National Centre for Environmental Compliance Monitoring allowed Al-Mohammedi to delve deeply into the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship's Ballast Water, one of the prominent legislative tools to protect the seas. He noted that the ships’ ballast water load is linked to increased fuel consumption and emissions, adding: "80% of global goods are transported by sea, making any failure in this file directly impactful on the global economy and supply chains."
The interest in invasive species wasn't just a theoretical research for Al-Mohammedi, but was linked to a personal experience. He accompanied his brother – may God have mercy on him – during his cancer treatment, where he began to reflect on how very small organisms can cause major disruptions in complex systems.
Al-Mohammedi added: "This awareness deepened my understanding of the dangers of invasive species transported via ships, and the significant environmental and economic costs they impose on countries."
His passion for space fueled his scientific curiosity, when he studied pollution prevention protocols adopted by "NASA". Al-Mohammedi said: "Between the oceans and distant planets, there is a single thread connecting me to them: how can small organisms change entire environments."
From Ballast Water to Shipwrecks
Al-Mohammedi's research extended from ballast water to shipwrecks, to realize that the danger is not only limited to microorganisms but also extends to what sunken ships leave behind, such as fuel, oils, chemical goods, and heavy materials prone to corrosion.
He confirms that the impact of wreckage does not stop at the moment of sinking; rather, it may continue for years, even after dismantling operations if not executed with precise standards.
Al-Mohammedi recorded a notable achievement by being accepted into the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes program affiliated with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), a prestigious program with no more than 40 seats annually contested by 171 countries.
He says: To be the third Saudi to receive this certificate is a milestone in my professional and scientific path.
Despite the commitments of research and studying abroad, Al-Mohammedi ensures he maintained his family balance, saying: I made sure to return to the Kingdom four times during the scholarship year, as family support is the real fuel for continuation.
Field Experience
Al-Mohammedi's practical experience at the National Centre for Environmental Compliance Monitoring honed his perspective on the legal and economic dimensions of maritime agreements.
He points out that following international committees has enabled him to understand the integrative relationship between law, politics, and the environment, which enhances the Saudi presence in global forums.
Among the major challenges Al-Mohammedi points to is the delay in taking immediate actions when maritime accidents occur, in addition to the weak insurance coverage for some ships, which imposes significant removal costs on the relevant authorities that could reach millions of dollars.
Message, Not Just a Job
Al-Mohammedi concludes his talk saying: "What I gained during scholarship trips and fieldwork has become a motivation to enhance the role of the Kingdom in protecting its seas in line with Vision 2030. Protecting the marine environment is not just a job, but a mission and a responsibility that requires deep belief and commitment."
