More Efficient Shipping to Play a Major Role in Ensuring Global Stability, Says IMO Head

Kitack Lim, IMO's Secretary-General, Thursday said more efficient shipping will be a key factor in ensuring global stability.

The International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) Secretary-General Kitack Lim, Thursday said more efficient shipping will be a key factor in ensuring global stability.

"Ultimately, more efficient shipping, working in partnership with a port sector supported by governments, will be a major driver towards global stability and sustainable development for the good of all people."

Lim's comments came as part of a site visit at Felixstowe, the UK's busiest container port, where he officially launched the IMO's theme for 2017.

As Ship & Bunker reported, in July, IMO announced that the theme of World Maritime Day 2017 would be "Connecting Ships, Ports, and People," a theme that is said to be partly focused on improving ship efficiency and will contribute to meeting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At the theme's launch Thursday, Lim highlighted the importance of coherent and connected development across all maritime sectors, noting that it will feature strongly in IMO’s work this year.

"Throughout the year, we will highlight the importance of 'joined-up' maritime development across all sectors, both from a policy and a practical perspective. The benefits of a free and efficient flow of goods and trade extend far beyond the ships and ports themselves," said Lim.

"As a UN agency, IMO has a strong commitment to helping achieve the aims of the Sustainable Development Goals. Shipping and ports can play a significant role in helping to create conditions for increased employment, prosperity and stability through promoting maritime trade. The port and maritime sectors can be wealth creators, both on land and at sea."