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For World Maritime Day, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), United Nations Welcome New Technologies for Greener Shipping

Guice Offshore Salutes World Maritime Day

Guice Offshore welcomes you to join the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and United Nations in celebrating World Maritime Day today, September 29, 2022!

The International Maritime Organization is shining a spotlight on the role of emerging technologies to support a green transition of the maritime sector into a sustainable future.  During the World Maritime Day 2022 today, global recognitions will focus on the theme of “New technologies for greener shipping,” providing a platform to showcase inclusive maritime innovation, research and development, and the demonstration and deployment of new technologies. 

In his message on the World Maritime theme, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said, “Our theme ‘New technologies for greener shipping’ opens up a larger conversation about shipping’s direction and how technology can be harnessed for a more sustainable future. It also provides an incentive to further examine how digitalization and automation can support shipping. But technological solutions for cleaner, safer and more sustainable shipping must also benefit people. In this regard, the impact on seafarers and other marine personnel, including the need for training must be considered.” 

Watch IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim’s video message here.   

Global Theme for a Greener Tomorrow 

The 2022 theme of “New Technologies for Greener Shipping” aims to promote inclusive innovation and uptake of new technologies to support the needs for a greener transition of the maritime sector, especially in the context of developing countries.  The IMO is particularly focusing on the small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs).

The theme is linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDGs 13 and 14 on climate action and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources; SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure; and SDG 17, which highlights the importance of partnerships and implementation to achieve these goals. 

Spreading Knowledge and Starting Conversations 

Knowledge sharing is crucial for a shared innovation journey, the IMO explained.  To do this, the IMO is hosting a two-day Innovation Forum and engaging global audiences to share their thoughts on the World Maritime theme via social media.  

The IMO-UNEP-Norway Innovation Forum (held on 28 and 29 September 2022 both in person at IMO Headquarters in London and on a hybrid basis with livestream) aims to champion innovation to accelerate the transition of the marine sector towards a zero- and low-emission future. More information, including registration, can be found here.  

IMO invites all maritime stakeholders to share information on what technologies they are using or actions they are taking to make shipping greener.

The hashtag is #WorldMaritimeDay.  Please tag @IMOHQ on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn). 

IMO Headquarters To Be Lit in Blue and Green 

Following the inaugural lighting-up in 2021, the IMO Headquarters building will be lit up to mark the occasion of World Maritime Day and shine a spotlight on this year’s theme.  The building will boast blue and green lighting, signifying the Organization’s maritime and environmental heritage, which is reflected in this year’s World Maritime Theme.  

Parallel World Maritime Day 

The World Maritime Day Parallel Event (WMDPE) will be held in Durban, South Africa, from 12 to 14 October 2022. More information about the event can be found here

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations explains that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the professionalism and sacrifice of the two million seafarers who serve on the world’s merchant fleet. Shipping has continued to transport more than 80% of world trade, including vital medical supplies, food and other basic goods that are critical for the COVID-19 response and recovery – but hundreds of thousands of seafarers face a humanitarian crisis as they have been stranded at sea, unable to get off the ships they operate with contracts extended by many months. This needs to be addressed urgently through governments designating seafarers as essential workers and ensuring safe crew changes can take place, the United Nations explains.

2022 Theme: New technologies for greener shipping

The theme for this year reflects the need to support a green transition of the maritime sector into a sustainable future, while leaving no one behind. It provides an opportunity to focus on the importance of a sustainable maritime sector and the need to build back better and greener in a post pandemic world.

The 2022 theme will also allow for a range of activities to delve into specific topics related to promotion of inclusive innovation and uptake of new technologies to support the needs for a greener transition of the maritime sector, especially in the context of developing countries, and in particular the small island developing States (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs). It also links to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 13 and 14 on climate action and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources; SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure; and SDG 17, which highlights the importance of partnerships and implementation to achieve these goals.

This year’s observance will be celebrated on 29 September 2022 and its parallel event is expected to be held in South Africa.

Background

International shipping transports more than 80 per cent of global trade to peoples and communities all over the world. Shipping is the most efficient and cost-effective method of international transportation for most goods; it provides a dependable, low-cost means of transporting goods globally, facilitating commerce and helping to create prosperity among nations and peoples.

The world relies on a safe, secure and efficient international shipping industry, which is an essential component of any programme for future sustainable green economic growth in a sustainable manner.

The promotion of sustainable shipping and sustainable maritime development is one of the major priorities of IMO in the coming years. Therefore, energy efficiency, new technology and innovation, maritime education and training, maritime security, maritime traffic management and the development of the maritime infrastructure: the development and implementation of global standards covering these and other issues will underpin IMO’s commitment to provide the institutional framework necessary for a green and sustainable global maritime transportation system.

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