Edel O'Connor

Edel O'Connor is the Business Development Manager at the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), which operates under the Marine Institute. She has held this position since October 2016 and has been instrumental in promoting and developing Ireland's maritime industry, focusing on areas such as ports, shipping, maritime technology, and offshore renewable energy.12

O'Connor's background is diverse; she holds an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Linguistics, and French from Trinity College, followed by a Master's in Multimedia Systems. She completed her PhD in multi-modal event detection, which was funded through the Beaufort Marine Research Awards, leading her to a career in marine research.1 Before her current role, she served as the National Coordinator of the Advanced Marine Technology Programme for nearly four years.1

In her role at the IMDO, O'Connor engages in various activities, including international trade missions, developing maritime transport routes, and collaborating with Irish ports and shipping companies. She is also involved in policy work and supports the Department of Transport on maritime issues. Her work is particularly relevant given the challenges posed by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.13

Edel O'Connor is recognized for her commitment to the maritime sector, emphasizing the importance of digitalization and decarbonization in the industry. She is passionate about the ocean, noting that over 90% of Ireland's trade is carried by sea, highlighting the critical role of maritime operations in everyday life.1