During the World Ports Conference 2022, the IMO Secretary-General highlighted the importance of ports in maritime decarbonization through their voluntary cooperation with other stakeholders to reduce GHG emissions from ships and acknowledged IAPH’s role as a strategic partner in IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 Project.
Mr. Kitack Lim said that IMO is making tangible progress in the implementation of the Initial GHG Strategy and Member States have pledged to adopt a revised and strengthened GHG Strategy next year. ”I am happy to experience the enhanced engagement of the ports sector in IMO meetings through, for example, the submission by IAPH to our environmental body, the MEPC, providing key considerations from the portsʹ perspective when addressing proposals for mid- and long-term measures for the reduction of Greenhouse gases.” he said.
To highlight the vital role of ports towards a more sustainable future, IMO Sec-Gen emphasized that ports will be where alternative fuels are supplied and incentives offered to greener vessels. More advanced use of pre-arrival information by ports will assist in reducing emissions from ships with “just-in-time” arrival.
He also stressed the importance of cooperation between shipping and ports and the enhancement of digitalization and automation as critical issues for 2022 and beyond.
IMO’s work in the area of trade facilitation, has evolved alongside the trade that it facilitates, for example by introducing mandatory electronic data exchange to increase digitalization of processes for port stays and departures and streamline procedures. I am confident that these developments will be a significant step towards facilitating trade and accelerating digitalization in the maritime sector.
…Mr. Lim said, adding that increased digitalization comes with an increased need for cyber risk management, which IMO is actively addressing.
In that regard, IAPH has developed the first edition of its Cybersecurity Guidelines for Ports and Port Facilities, which will be referenced in the next version of the IMO circular containing guidelines on maritime cyber risk management.
Ultimately, shipping and ports are essential to the world and must be at the forefront of change as we strive for a more sustainable and greener maritime future, Mr. Lim concluded.
