During the London International Shipping Week and the Headline Conference – Driving Growth in a Disrupted World, IMO Secretary-General made some remarks.
As Mr. Lim said, this week gives shipping the opportunity to reach out beyond the sector and highlight to the world its importance in delivering global trade, through the pandemic and beyond.
However, he noted that it is also very important to reflect on the situation that hundreds of thousands of seafarers face, as they remain trapped in their place of work or are unable to join ships.
Seafarers are the silent heroes and collateral victims of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their professionalism, dedication and personal sacrifice throughout the pandemic has been truly outstanding. We must continue to support them
For this reason, he urged Governments to designate seafarers as key workers and urge consideration for vaccination of seafarers in ports regardless of nationality.
As he specifically said:
The well-being of seafarers to deliver goods to populations around the globe continues to be my highest priority
Mr. Lim also highlighted the need to drive a green recovery and ensure a sustainable maritime future, in a time when digitalization is driving the future.
Efficient exchange of information over digital channels and digital automation of ships have helped ensure that shipping has continued to deliver world trade connecting continents and regions
These interconnections, according to the Secretary-General will play out when the industry tackles its own and humanity’s biggest challenge: decarbonization.
Future low- and zero-carbon fuels will need to be supplied to ships, which are themselves already undergoing innovation in design and operation to meet mandatory IMO energy efficiency measures
In fact, he explained that the latest technical reports send a clear message that maritime must accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The challenge is huge. But I see many encouraging signals since the adoption of IMO’s Initial IMO GHG Strategy in 2018, with industry initiatives flourishing and Governments committing to ensure everyone is on board – as we look towards adopting an upgraded GHG strategy by 2023
Mr. Lim concluded.
