IMO Assembly Adopts Vision, Strategic Directions
The IMO Assembly met for its 30th session at International Maritime Organization (IMO) Headquarters in London, United Kingdom (27 November to 6 December). The Assembly was the largest-ever gathering at IMO Headquarters in London, attended by some 1,400 participants, including 56 at the ministerial level, from 165 Member States, as well as observers from inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations. The Assembly adopted its strategic plan for 2018-2023, including a revised mission statement, a vision statement (included for the first time) and seven newly-identified strategic directions for IMO, placing the Organization firmly on route to supporting the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Transas to Unveil the ‘Future of Maritime Operations’
Today's maritime industry requires realistic solutions and concepts for a modern, integrated operational infrastructure that delivers a sustainable, viable future, says Transas, a developer and supplier of a wide range of IT solutions for the marine industry. Whether an autonomous ship or not, the maritime sector needs an infrastructure solution that will enhance and support our human element and enable operations. Transas CEO Frank Coles will deliver insight and practical innovation for the future of maritime operations during a special presentation on Tuesday, September 6 at SMM Hamburg.
From Fire to Emissions, Ferry Debates Heat Up
Firefighting led a stream of topical debate at trade association Interferry’s 40th annual conference in Copenhagen last week – but not before a record 342 delegates came under fire from a leading Green politician claiming that ‘shipping is currently one of the unaddressed areas of air pollution’. Michael Cramer, German chair of the European Parliament’s transport and tourism committee, delivered a stinging opening address demanding that the ferry and shipping sectors become more environmentally sustainable. He said ‘most vessels are like hazardous waste incinerators because they burn heavy fuel oil which should be processed as highly toxic waste but is usually exhaled without sufficient filtering’.
New Business to Focus on Offshore Wind
A new business, O-Power (OP), will develop new technology in offshore engineering and hopes to make a significant contribution to the rapidly growing offshore wind market. OP offers concept development and analysis, right through to the supply and installation of product. It will use the human, physical and business resources of NE England to provide attractive and competitive engineering solutions - always aimed at improving technology. O-Power is an independent company founded and staffed by a team of engineers. It is based in Northumberland. The creation of OP is supported by IHC Merwede, the world market leader in the construction of specialist dredging equipment and a major supplier of specialist offshore technology and vessels.
Incentives Crucial to Cure Drain on European Manning Supply
Pay incentives and better onboard facilities are key requirements for solving shipping’s worsening manpower crisis, according to the chairman of ’s leading manning forum. Organized by Lloyd’s List Events, the 11th European Manning & Training conference takes place in , on May 20-21 on the back of a prolonged shipping boom that now sees demand for seafarers far outstrip supply. Coupled with the developing world’s increase in better paid jobs ashore, the recruitment crunch is being felt even in major crew supply nations like , where maritime academies are struggling to fill just 1,000 places a year. Conference chairman Capt. Kurt Buchholz, managing director of V.Ships (), acknowledges there is a problem but asks: “Is there really a shortage?
