The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA) launched a Sustainable Development Declaration to encourage the ship broking and ship agency sectors to take action and support the overall aims of reducing emissions.
According to FONASBA, all the component sectors must play their part in achieving real reductions in emissions and enhancements in sustainability – and ship agents and ship brokers are no different.
Compared to the shipping and port sectors, for example, the overall emissions footprint of both professions is relatively small, but the role of the broker and agent in guiding, informing, and supporting shipowners and charterers, from the fixing of the vessel to completion of the port call, means they have a specific and influential role to play in ensuring that the voyage is as clean and green as possible.
As explained, with COP26 imminent, and to encourage the ship broking and ship agency sectors to take positive action to support the overall aims of reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability, FONASBA has issued a Sustainable Development Declaration.
Equally applicable to those working directly in those professions as to the national associations that support and represent them, and to FONASBA itself, the Declaration provides guidance to enable ship agents and ship brokers in playing an active and effective role alongside other industry partners.
Namely, FONASBA and its member associations hereby declare their commitment to:
- Continuing to support the actions of the International Maritime Organisation, shipowners, port operators and other parties in the global maritime transport industry in developing relevant and appropriate policies and technologies to achieve the required reductions in harmful emissions and in supporting sustainable development.
- Promoting awareness of the need for sustainable development and emissions reductions.
- Encouraging ship brokers to use their position as the representatives of the ship owner and charterer during the ϐixing of a vessel to assist both parties to act on their responsibilities in reducing harmful emissions and supporting sustainable development at all stages of the value chain, providing information on environmental impact mitigation policies and strategies along the vessel route and facilities for vessel route planning and supporting the sustainable disposal of vessels.
- Encouraging ship agents to use their position as the coordinator of the port call and representatives of the parties engaged therein, to provide information on measures available in the port to reduce harmful emissions and support sustainable development, by example on the availability of clean fuels, shoreside power, disposal facilities for ship-generated waste, national local and port regulations relating to environmental compliance and advising on sustainable solutions for the inward and outward transport of cargoes beyond the port.
FONASBA will encourage the international ship agency and ship broking communities to adopt and promote sustainable actions and policies within their own companies and amongst their customers, suppliers and in the local community. Such actions could comprise reducing consumption of power, segregation and recycling of ofϐice waste, the use of public or clean transport modes, enhancing the environment and supporting community projects. Initiatives in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Global Compact will also be encouraged.
THE FONASBA SUSTAINABLITY DECLARATION CAN BE FOUND HERE
