Michael Vahs, since 2000 appointed professor for ship operation and simulation at "Hochschule Emden-Leer", University of Applied Sciences, has graduated in Maritime Transport from "Hamburg Polytechnic Institute" in 1989 and then undergone a career in the merchant marine including the Captain’s position on various types of ships in world-wide trades. After 3 years of studying “Maritime Education and Training” he was appointed as Maritime Lecturer and qualified for Professor’s appointment in 2000. At university his field of research has been strongly related to green shipping, in particular the development and operation of sail systems for cargo ships. Michael is an active supporter of international cooperation in green shipping. Since 2017 he is visiting Professor at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and Honorary Professor at the University of the South Pacific.