Safer and secure global shipping
THE International Maritime Organization (IMO) has shared the focus areas for the next four years with the aim of ensuring a safer, more secure and environmentally friendly shipping globally.
According to IMO’s online update, Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez during a press conference at IMO headquarters in London, outlined four strategic priorities.
He stated these included the regulation of international shipping, support to member states — particularly Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, enhancing public awareness and image; and relations with people and stakeholders.
“As a global industry that is responsible for transporting more than 80 per cent of trade around the world, shipping is indispensable. One thing I am very focused on is to make this organisation a more diverse, inclusive and transparent institution,” Mr Dominguez said.
He also touched on various challenges and opportunities for the maritime sector highlighting the ongoing attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea.
He condemned the attacks and underscored the paramount importance of protecting seafarers’ lives while calling for the freedom of navigation of ships in the area.
According to estimated provided by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), trade volume going through the Suez Canal has fallen by 42 per cent over the last two months.
Mr Dominguez said the shipping industry was resilient in the face of these global challenges and that IMO was actively engaged with the international community to find effective solutions.
An update on IMO’s work towards the decarbonisation of shipping by or around 2050 was also provided and it was stated that the organisation was the first sector and agency to define a global strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions, including mandatory measures to deliver on targets.