Peter Lundahl Rasmussen, Head of Maritime Information, BIMCO provides a brief recap of the important developments occurred in shipping during 2016 and shares his insight into the major safety concerns that industry has to pay attention in 2017.
SAFETY4SEA: Do you think there was a significant success and/or progress made with respect to maritime safety during 2016? Focusing on your area of expertise, what were the most important industry developments within 2016?
Peter Lundahl Rasmussen: We think that 0,5% Sulphur level for ships bunker entering into force by 2020 and the BWM Convention being ratified with sufficient tonnage and now entering into force 8 September 2017 to be the most important development – though BIMCO do not necessarily see this as positive developments!
S4S: Focusing on your area of expertise, what do you think that it will be the biggest safety challenge(s) for the maritime safety for the 2017?
P.L.R.: Sadly this will still be related to safety of Lifeboat handling, mooring and associated equipment, Safety of Navigation and ship handling in connection with Ballast Water Exchange!
S4S: What would be the 2017 resolutions for your company/ organization? What are your goals and aspirations to enhance shipping safety?
P.L.R.: Provide clear guidance and information to our members!
S4S: Do you have any new projects on the pipeline and/or plans for 2017 that you would like to share?
P.L.R.: That could be our Bulk Terminal Vetting scheme and the BIMCO Shipping KPI
S4S: What is your overall forecast for shipping safety in 2017 and what would you like to share and/or wish and/or ask other industry stakeholders?
P.L.R.:The hope is that all stakeholders will continue to focus on safety and safety management even if the market not is the best! Cyber-security guidance could be an issue!
The views presented hereabove are only those of the author and not necessarily those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.