Collaboration works on energy efficiency audit

THE Pacific Community (SPC) has been working closely with the Fiji Ports Corporation in auditing its energy efficiencies.

SPC deputy director general Dr Audrey Aumua explained the collaborative effort was part of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Integrated Technical Cooperation Program.

“SPC is supporting the Fiji Port Authority undertaking extensive energy audits and energy management activities and again saving the Government, I think, substantial resources,” she said.

“Together with IMO we have been able to support these efforts.

“One of the key areas with SPC is capacity building and I am really pleased to share more than 290 individuals have been trained in the areas of safety, compliance and aids to navigation and again this is part of the IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Program.”

Dr Aumua explained that with the support of the IMO, they had been able to also provide energy saving programs in other parts of the region.

“In Samoa, for example, we have been able to fit a system that has enabled reducing the impact of greenhouse gas emission on our ocean by 135,000 tonnes.

“In Vanuatu the same system is saving nearly 81 per cent of energy costs.

“These are very significant savings for our sector but also the impact that it has on our oceans.”

She explained that their aim was to ensure the maritime industry was supported in its efforts to ensure a sustainable future.

“The work of the Pacific Community (SPC) supports the maritime sector through many and different projects.

“This includes shipping and energy efficiency, it includes work on safety and navigation, green Pacific ports and most importantly for me it supports the integration of women in the maritime sector.”

In Samoa, for example, we have been able to fit a system that has enabled reducing the impact of greenhouse gas emission on our ocean by 135,000 tonnes – Dr Audrey Aumua