Asia/Pacific News
IMO and Singapore MPA Mull Global Cooperation Network for Maritime Technology
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has proposed a network of maritime technology cooperation centres to increase the abilities and efficiency of maritime hubs worldwide, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) announced last week.
At a shipping conference held in Singapore last week, the IMO, along with a variety of delegates, reportedly floated new ideas to improve operational ability around the world, which also included a suggestion to use domestic shipping in developing countries to transfer new technologies.
It was also noted that companies can lack the knowledge or readiness to implement new technologies, a problem which could be solved through testing facilities located in local institutions.
"This Joint IMO-Singapore Conference could not have come at a better time," said Stefan Micallef, director of the IMO's Marine Environment Division.
"It has illustrated that IMO and the maritime sector stand ready to support the global community to achieve its goals to address climate change that will be set in Paris later this year."
According to IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu, institutionalising the technology sharing and transfer process around the world will be key to fight against climate change.
"Climate change is one of the most significant threats facing the world today," said MPA CE Andrew Tan.
"Singapore is committed to be an integral part of IMO's process to encourage the deployment and diffusion of environmentally-friendly ship technologies."
Last week, Ship & Bunker also reported that Sekimizu had released a statement urging countries attending the global climate deal talks in Paris at the end of the year to rethink a hard emissions cap on the shipping sector.
