Ahead of the World Maritime Day 2020, IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim, published a message for the shipping industry and seafarers.
As Mr. Lim said, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us and IMO is attempting to address the impacts on the shipping industry and especially seafarers.
In these challenging times, the ability of shipping services and seafarers to deliver essential goods, including medical supplies, food and fuel is central to responding to and overcoming this crisis
He explained that the pandemic has shown that shipping remains the main facilitator of global economy. Therefore, shipping and maritime will be at the heart of the economic recovery and future sustainable growth far into future, both at sea and ashore supporting an inclusive and resilient economy.
This year’s World Maritime Day theme is: Sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet, which according to Mr. Lim could not be more relevant now and for years to come. In the post-COVID world, much focus will be directed at the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Shipping is essential for sustainable development. The 2030 agenda will only be realized with a sustainable transport sector supporting world trade and facilitating the global economy
However, he added that shipping also needs to secure its own sustainability. Shipping activities must be balanced with the Safety of Life at Sea, the long term health and diversity of oceans.
Shipping is engaged on a journey of transformation towards this sustainable future. IMO’s actions are:
- Enhance maritime safety and digital shipping;
- Ensure and enhance the professionalism, competence and work environment of seafarers;
- Decarbonization of international shipping and reduction of sulphur in ships’ fuel oil;
- Protect the polar regions and reduce marine litter;
- Facilitation of maritime traffic in collaboration with port industry;
- Technical cooperation and capacity building of developing countries;
- Enhance gender equality in the maritime community;
- Maintain a robust response system to meet threats to safety and security at sea, and protect the marine environment.
We must now see what more should be done to achieve these goals. At this year’s World Maritime Theme we focus global attention on how IMO, the Member States, civil society and the shipping industry are working together to ensure that shipping continues and strengthens its contribution towards sustainable growth
IMO Sec-Gen concluded.