At the world’s first Global Supply Chain Forum (21-24 May), organized by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Government of Barbados in Bridgetown, IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, identified decarbonization and geopolitics as key challenges for the maritime industry.
During a high-level panel, Dominguez highlighted how attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea area is affecting efforts to cut emissions in shipping. As stated by the Sec-Gen, “Even though we have made a lot of progress to become greener, the industry has been forced to increase greenhouse gas emissions in order to safely continue to supply to the world. So by sailing around the Cape of Good Hope [to avoid threats in the Red Sea], we emit three times more than expected.”
However, he emphasized the “resilience” of the maritime sector in the face of crises, and applauded IMO’s pathway to net zero shipping by around 2050. This includes setting legally binding technical and economic measures to cut emissions, which are due for global adoption in late 2025 as part of the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG emissions from ships.
We’re focusing on the positives. We’re working with other sectors, particularly the energy sector, to see how they can develop and supply energy at a price that will not create a negative impact on states, and particularly small island developing states
… said Arsenio Dominguez
In a recent development, the 108th session of IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108) adopted a Resolution addressing the security crisis in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The resolution strongly condemns these illegal actions, emphasizing the need for immediate cessation of attacks and release of detained ships and crews.
It calls on Member States to uphold UN arms embargoes and prevent arms supply to the Houthis. Additionally, it urges support for affected seafarers and advocates for peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. Furthermore, it advises ship operators to carefully consider risks and plan transit routes accordingly.
Focus on SIDS and LDCs
The Global Supply Chain Forum focused on key issues such as financing, trade facilitation, transport connectivity, digitalization, climate action, and preparing developing countries for the energy transition in international transport. In the margins of the Forum, IMO and UNCTAD organized various side events that promoted decarbonization of the maritime transport sector for small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs) in the Caribbean and beyond.
