Solutions for a greener global shipping industry were highlighted by international delegates attending a SMART-C Conference held in Busan, South Korea (11 September).  

Delegates from Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Vanuatu and Vietnam presented progress achieved in their countries with the support of IMO’s SMART-C Programme, in the areas of gender equality, leadership development, prevention of marine accidents, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.  

The event, organized by IMO in collaboration with the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), spotlighted four key projects under the IMO-Republic of Korea Sustainable Maritime Transport Cooperation (SMART-C) Programme, which work to enhance technical capacity in developing countries:    

  • SMART-C Women: Strengthening women's competencies in maritime digitalization and marine environmental protection  
  • SMART-C Traffic: Developing a web-based maritime traffic management system to enhance safety  
  • SMART-C Leaders: Professional training for international maritime leaders  
  • SMART-C GHG: Supporting the implementation of IMO’s Strategy for Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships by collecting relevant data 

In his opening address, IMO Deputy Director Mr. Youngso Kim emphasized the importance of the SMART-C initiative in fostering collaboration to enhance the maritime capacities of developing nations.

Country presentations focused on issues such as maritime training for women, nurturing future maritime leaders and national strategies for reducing GHG emissions from ships. Participants shared knowledge and exchanged views.   

IMO reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with beneficiary countries to ensure the effective implementation of SMART-C projects on the ground.