Notwithstanding the glaring deficit in infrastructure, tools, technology and manpower, Nigeria is missing from comity of nations gathered in Germany for the Biennial Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology, SMM, trade fair taking place in Hamburg, Germany.

Described as the leading international trade fair for the maritime industry which brings together decision-makers and industry professionals from all sectors, Its is a platform for initiating and expanding business relationships and dialogue on current topics and issues.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the ongoing event, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, IMO, Mr. Kitack Lim expressed delight that global maritime players could gather again after the Covid Pandemic.

Text of the IMO Secretary General reads:

It is a pleasure to be here once again in Hamburg, a city with a long maritime heritage and a key player in trade by sea.

It is four years since we were last able to gather under the SMM banner and it is a sign of this industry’s resilience that we are back and busy again in this great city, in particular as this year marks the 30th anniversary of SMM.

My sincere congratulations!

Ladies and gentlemen,

Shipping’s ability to transport large quantities of goods over vast distances in a cost-efficient manner unquestionably makes it the most effective mode of transport.

The COVID pandemic and current geopolitical challenges have only served to increase the world’s awareness of and reliance on shipping and seafarers’ invaluable role in global trade.

Not just there but across the globe, the comprehensive regulatory framework developed by IMO over more than seven decades is fundamental for shipping’s safety, security and sustainability.

As shipping evolves, IMO Member States along with the industry and partners throughout the UN system and beyond, work tirelessly to ensure this framework is constantly enhanced and strengthened.

This is of crucial importance as shipping undergoes substantial change in many diverse ways.

The imperative to tackle climate change, is a major topic that is high on our agenda. We are working to adopt an upgraded GHG strategy in the middle of 2023.

We are also taking necessary steps to tackle other environmental issues, such as marine litter.

We must also ensure gender diversity in maritime, and we need to address the challenges and opportunities of automation and digitalization.

They are all very different strands, but they are equally important in strengthening IMO’s objectives of ensuring the safety and security of shipping, the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships and the support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

As the SMM conference theme indicates, we are in a green and digital transition.

I am sure you are all aware that IMO Member States have committed to revising and strengthening the IMO GHG Strategy, while taking on board the need to ensure that policies and measures do not deepen the existing divide between developed and developing countries. So, impact assessments of proposed measures are vital.

In line with our commitment as a part of the United Nations family to support all Member States to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – including those related to clean energy and innovation as well as tackling climate change – we are encouraging discussions that explore opportunities for developing countries to investigate ways to accelerate renewable fuel production that can also serve to accelerate their transition to low-carbon economies.

The green imperative – and consequently IMO regulation – is helping drive innovation in ship design, propulsion and research and investment into alternative low and zero-emission fuels.

IMO regulations are “technology neutral”: setting goals, not prescribing technology and here at SMM we see great examples of how shipping can innovate to meet – and even exceed – the goals set.

IMO is providing platforms to encourage sharing of information and technology. Later this month, IMO will host the IMO-UNEP-Norway Innovation Forum, aiming to promote inclusive innovation for decarbonization of the maritime sector. In October, the Second IMO Symposium on low- and zero-carbon fuels for shipping will address how to ensure a just and inclusive transition towards low-carbon shipping.

Among the important tools that can help this transition, digitalization is being harnessed to support greater efficiency of shipping. IMO has adopted mandatory measures for electronic data exchange between ships and ports and the ‘maritime single window’ for handling data within port environments.

IMO is currently considering a global project to accelerate the digital transformation in partner countries that will identify needs gaps and look into seafarer training requirements in the digital era.

Automation and artificial intelligence are increasingly part and parcel of daily operations for many in the shipping sector. Alongside this, we need to manage the risks of cyber security nd we need to ensure seafarers’ welfare is properly taken into account, just as we need to ensure that current and future seafarers are adequately trained to handle shifting technologies.

We will undoubtedly see more and more fuels coming into the mix while autonomous ships of different sizes, with differing levels of automation, will become more commonplace. We need to provide the regulatory framework for these developments. That, which is why IMO is developing a goal-based instrument for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships, the so-called MASS.

I believe that the most fundamental change in shipping is going to come from a changing mindset. This means a shift to greater transparency, more sharing of data, better analysis of data and collaborative thinking.

By working together collaboratively and cooperatively, we can make shipping greener and more resilient.

The green and digital transition is here. It gives us an opportunity to create a sector that binds us all together. We must embrace it. We need to come together to harness this transition for the benefit of all.

This is essential for sustainable development and to ensure we meet our global ambitions and goals to secure the needs of future generations.

I travelled to Odesa last week, to observe the development of the Black Sea Grain Initiative coordinated by the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), which is led by the United Nations together with littoral countries, including Türkiye.

I saw that it is moving very well, and I heard that the initiative, despite some challenges, will be even more successful in the future

I also met the captain, chief engineer and seafarers of a vessel, who are very, very proud to participate in that initiative.

All world recognizes the importance of international shipping for the global supply chain, and one example being the Black Sea grain initiative.

We are very proud to contribute to this important initiative.

With that, I look forward to another successful SMM this week.