About-Us-2

ABOUT US

The Maritime Technology Cooperation Center for Latin America (MTCC-Latin America) is one of five specialized centers that form part of the Global MTCC Network (GMN).

Established by the International Maritime Organization with funds provided by the European Union. This network of Regional Centres was conceived as a mechanism to increase awareness and develop capacities to implement climate change mitigation measures to address greenhouse gas emissions from ships. These Centres are located in the Pacific Island, Caribbean, Latin America, Asia and Africa regions.

The MTCC-Latin America was established in Panama, a country with an important tradition and relevance in the shipping world. The MTCC Latin America is hosted by the International Maritime University of Panama and benefits from vital cooperation and support from the Panama Maritime Authority, the Panama Canal Authority and the Central American Commission of Maritime Transport.

The MTCC-Latin America has a regional mandate and in cooperation with different key actors in the maritime transport sector seeks to promote the adoption of energy efficient technologies and practices that help to reduce greenhouse emission from ships. These stakeholders include maritime administrations, regional maritime port organizations, ship and port operators, training centers, non-governmental organizations and private entities, among others.

STAFF MTCC

Víctor Luna Barahona

President of UMIP and Director of the MTCC

The elected rector of the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP), Professor Víctor Luna Barahona, is a nautical professional and has extensive experience in the field of higher education.

Luna Barahona, first elected Rector of the UMIP, has participated in all the programs and projects that resulted in the modification of the curricula of the UMIP, as well as in its administrative and academic organization, promoting the development of the Panamanian maritime sector through higher education.

He completed additional studies such as: Postgraduate degree in Pedagogy and a Master's degree in Education. In addition, he has completed Higher Specialization Courses and Training Programs on important topics for the development of areas such as Navigation and Maritime Transport, as well as Consultancies on the Maritime Industry in Countries such as Japan, Spain, Argentina, and Chile.

He has advanced courses such as: specialization in management and strategic planning, operation, and safety on board of tankers; development, adaptation, and implementation of programs in universities linked to the maritime industry.

Engineer Ervin Vargas Wilson

Technical Director

He is a Nautical Engineer graduated from the Panama Nautical School

With more than 20 years of experience in the maritime industry, working as Chief Engineer on board ships and occupying the position of Technical Superintendent in shipping companies nationally and internationally.

He has studies in Postgraduate degree in Higher Education, Postgraduate degree in Shipbuilding and Naval Repair, Diploma in Tugboats Engineer, Has the Train to Trainer Course on Energy Efficiency Ship Operation organized by the IMO and other technical courses.

He is currently professor at the International Maritime University of Panama and holds the position of Marine Engineering School Director of the Nautical Sciences Faculty and MTCC-Latin America Technical Director.

Javier E. Díaz J.

Technical Officer

Graduated from the International Maritime University of Panama, with the degree of Nautical Engineer, specialized in Navigation and Maritime Transportation. He holds the Unlimited License as Chief Mate with sea experience in Car carriers and Crude Oil Carriers. Additionally, he is specialized in ISO Quality Management System as auditor and Trainer of ISM, ISPS and other IMO related courses. He completed additional studies such as: Postgraduate Degree in Higher Education at UMIP, also a master’s degree in Maritime Affairs with specialization in Maritime Safety and Environmental Administration at the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden. Also, completed an advanced Program in Project Planning at Tecnológico de Monterrey and advanced program in Politics and Effective Communication and Crisis Management at the ADEN School of Government.

Currently is Professor of undergraduate and graduate degrees at UMIP, also is the Technical Officer of the MTCC Latin America.

Captain Samuel Ferreira

Deputy Technical Advisor

The Candidate Doctor (DBA), Samuel John Ferreira De Souza, has a Specialized Postgraduate Degree in Security Administration and Tugboat Operations from the International Maritime University of Panama.

He has studies in Specialization from the University of Yale School of Health in Climate Change and Health; Specialization in "The Art of Sales: Mastering the Selling Process" from Northwestern University in Chicago, Kellogg School of Management.

He also has Specialization in "Entrepreurnership" and "Business and Financial Modeling" of Wharton Business School/University of Pensylvannia).

He has a Specialization in Advanced Finance, Capital Markets, Risk Management in Financial Institutions, Business Management and Supply Chain of INCAE Business School, founded by Harvard Business School in Costa Rica in 1964, for the training and development of leaders in Latin America.

He also holds Executive Master's in Business Administration from INCAE Business School and Babson College, Boston, and is a Doctorate student in Business Administration at Swiss School of Business Management in Switzerland Geneva and Harvard University at Master of Liberal Arts with Extension in Management, Cambridge, US.

He was President of the Board of Directors of the Central American Commission of Maritime Transport (COCATRAM). as well as a member of the founding team of the International Maritime University of Panama in its beginnings and President and member of multiple Boards of Directors of NGOs in Panama.

His has more than 20 years of experience in the shipping industry.

Aricel Arauz

Administrative Assistant

Aricel Arauz Graduated from the International Maritime University of Panama, with the degree of Maritime and Port Administration. She has training in “Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)” from Syndeseas Integrated Solutions Ltd.

She completed additional studies such as: Postgraduate Degree in Higher Education at UMIP; She has taken several specialized courses in Maritime Training. In addition, she completed an Advanced Program in Politics and Effective Communication and Crisis Management at the ADEN School of Government.

She has logistical and administrative experience in the Maritime Sector, including her experience in IBS MARINE GROUP, carrying out the management and issuance of technical certificates of inspection of ships in the framework of IMO conventions, particularly SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW and the ISM code, and others.

Aricel is Currently Administrative Assistant of the MTCC Latin America.