HANSA 09-2022

SMM At SMM, the role of

SMM At SMM, the role of start-ups will also be emphasised. How do we make sure that shipping benefits from innovations outside the sector, such as AI robotics etc.? Lim: Technology and innovation are important for the future of maritime. New and advancing technologies will significantly affect shipping, creating a more interconnected and efficient industry more closely integrated with the global supply chain. New and advancing technologies have already brought about changes at all levels in the way ships are designed, constructed, equipped and operated, and have impacted the people who operate ships – and these changes cascade to other sectors such as ports, law, insurance, etc. Of course, related to the IMO mandate with regard to the Black Sea and Sea of Azov is the safety of seafarers and shipping. In February, I established an Emergency Task Force within the Secretariat and we have been following the situation closely assisting seafarers where possible and also communicating with the relevant States with a view to the establishment of a blue safe maritime corridor. IMO continues to provide technical input to UN efforts to secure the transportation of grain from Ukraine. What do you think policy-makers should do in this regard to protect civil shipping from unauthorised arrests or even shooting or hijacking? Lim: The welfare of seafarers and the need for international shipping to move freely and unhindered is critical to the continuous operation of global supply chains, for the benefit of all peoples of the world. As I have said in the past, seafarers and shipping should not become collateral victims of larger political issues. Lim at the recent United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon Regarding technical aspects, Maritime security is about risk assessment and putting in place corresponding mitigating security measures. The necessary legal framework for assessing and mitigating risks is essential in line with agreed international regulations for all relevant parties including Flag, port and coastal States. IMO encourages a whole of government approach to maritime security, offering a programme of integrated workshops and tailored support to develop a National Maritime Security Committee, Risk Register and Security Strategy. Our work is focused on assisting Governments to develop strategies to address maritime security threats and to provide the relevant capacity building support. How should shipping itself react to these developments? Lim: As an industry, we have a duty of care towards the seafarers who are at the heart of shipping. We must prioritize their safety and ensure that they have sufficient training and support. © IMO So should we look at it more objectively? Lim: We need to balance the benefits derived from new and advancing technologies against ongoing and emerging safety and security concerns, the impact on the environment and on international trade facilitation, the potential costs to the industry, and finally their impact on personnel, both on board and ashore. An important aspect is to ensure that maritime technologies are designed to bridge gaps, support the human element, reduce administrative burden and increase transparency in operations. Technology cannot be developed for technology’s sake alone – we must ensure that it fulfils a purpose and is compatible with a just transition. What would you like to achieve until the end of 2023, when your term ends? Lim: I want to progress on IMO’s key policy areas as planned with respect to climate change; digitalization and automation; safety and security; the human element, in particular seafarers; as well as technical cooperation and capacity building. In particular, we expect the mid- to long-term strategy towards decarbonization to be adopted in mid-2023. The establishment of the International Day of Women in Maritime was a momentous occasion and I intend to continue to build on this momentum and improve the gender balance by making maritime more welcoming to women. I am also looking forward to celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the adoption of the MARPOL convention, which has made such a tangible impact on our industry and changed the very face of shipping. Interview: Michael Meyer 26 HANSA – International Maritime Journal 09 | 2022

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