This year’s theme – ‘New Technologies for Greener Transport’ – fosters innovation and solutions that support transition in the sector.
Ocean shipping represents more than 80% of global trade, UN Secretary General António Guterres said in his message for the Day.
Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine – and the Black Sea Grain Initiative – have highlighted the vital role shipping plays in feeding the world.
Limiting transportation emissions
“As transportation continues to connect humanity, it must play an essential part in achieving Sustainable development goals (SDGs) and building a just and prosperous future for people and the planet,” he said.
The head of the UN stressed that the maritime sector “must accelerate the journey to decarbonise”. He warned: “Emissions from shipping will increase dramatically unless global action is taken.
“Government and private companies need to work together to harness cutting-edge technologies such as digitization and automation, accelerate a transition that includes developing countries, and promote renewable energy and alternative fuels.
“The ships that will be deployed this decade will determine whether the shipping sector achieves net emissions by 2050. Smarter and greener zero-emission vessels must become the default and commercially available choice for all by 2030.”
Concerns for seafarers
World Maritime Day celebrations provide a platform to showcase innovation, comprehensive marine research and development, and demonstrate and deploy new technologies.
Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), said this year’s theme opens up a larger conversation about where shipping is and how digitization and automation can help. support this field.
But technological solutions for cleaner, safer and more sustainable transportation must also benefit people. “In this regard, the impact on seafarers and other marine personnel must be considered, including the need for training.”
The theme also calls for support for developing countries, especially small island developing countries (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs).
Saving people at sea
In a related development, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is using the Day to emphasize the importance of marine meteorology for safety at sea.
WMO has released a new publication and video showcasing how it works with partners, including the national meteorological services and IMO, in providing forecasts and early warnings to save lives. living.
The United Nations agency says the growing impacts of climate change and extreme weather are making marine meteorological services more important than ever.
“This has been underscored again by the recent succession of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic and Pacific Northwest, resulting in hazardous shipping conditions. Forecasts and warnings are needed to protect ships, their cargo and their crews,” it said.
WMO is committed to complying with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, known as the SOLAS Convention, through the broadcasting of marine safety meteorological information as part of its Maritime Response and Safety System IMO Global (GMDSS).
The SOLAS Convention is often considered the most important of all international treaties concerning the safety of merchant ships.
It was first used in 1914, in response to the Titanic disaster.
