Keynote speech to 3rd North Bund Forum 2023 Digital Innovation, Greener Development, 22 September 2023

Keynote speech by IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Kitack Lim, at the Main Forum

22 September 2023

Your Excellency Mr. Ma, Vice-Minister Fu, Vice-Mayor Zhang, distinguished guests,

I am honoured to join you at the 3rd North Bund Forum. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government for inviting me to address this Forum.

Especially in this significant year that marks the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic of China joining the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

China, a member of the IMO Council, has made remarkable contributions to IMO's work over these fifty years, playing a pivotal role in shaping international maritime rules and global maritime governance.

I take this opportunity to thank the Chinese Government for its unwavering support and active engagement with IMO during this time.

Global cooperation is crucial in ensuring a safer, greener, more sustainable, and efficient maritime sector. Shipping remains indispensable to global trade, sustainable development, and the energy transition.

Maritime transport continues to be the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable means for transporting large cargo volumes. Recent challenges have underscored the vital role of shipping, ports, and seafarers in global trade.

For 75 years, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as an UN specialized agency, has been the global standard-setting body for shipping, ensuring the safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable movement of goods worldwide.

IMO's journey began with the adoption of a new version of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) in 1959, a critical milestone in maritime safety.

Since then, IMO's responsibilities have expanded to address issues such as maritime security, trade facilitation, liability, and compensation, adapting to changing industry needs, including climate change mitigation, and advancing technology.

Today, IMO is focused on digitalization and automation, including the development of a Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code and the implementation of electronic information exchange for ship arrivals, stays, and departures through a Maritime Single Window (MSW). These efforts will enhance shipping and maritime transport efficiency, accelerating the digitalization of maritime trade.

As we journey toward a sustainable future, shipping must embrace decarbonization alongside digitalization, automation, and innovative technologies. Ensuring the safety, cybersecurity, and the welfare of maritime personnel, especially seafarers, must remain a priority.

Seafarers are the backbone of shipping, and their well-being is paramount. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to millions of seafarers, the unsung heroes of the global economy, particularly during the pandemic.

Without seafarers, shipping simply does not function. We must protect their rights and well-being, retain existing seafarers, and attract new ones.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the MARPOL Convention, a significant milestone in protecting the marine environment from ship pollution.

Our World Maritime Theme for 2023, "MARPOL at 50 – our commitment goes on," highlights MARPOL's transformative impact on ship design, operation, and environmental protection.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The world must unite to combat climate change, presenting the maritime sector with its greatest challenge - decarbonization. IMO's global leadership in shipping decarbonization is paramount.

We must lead in providing a global framework for achieving green shipping goals.

Over the past decade, IMO has made significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping.

A major milestone in this journey is the recent adoption of the 2023 Strategy on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Shipping.

The strategy sets a common vision and an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by or around, i.e. close to, 2050, marking a new chapter in maritime decarbonization.

While it may not fully meet every member state's expectation, it represents the result of years of negotiations, unanimously approved by all Member States. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering cooperation, collaboration, and patience of our Member States and industry representatives, for which I am deeply grateful.

However, this is just the beginning. To achieve the net-zero goal, we must implement comprehensive measures in accordance with the adopted schedule. Your continued support and cooperation are greatly appreciated.

IMO's ambitious strategy aims to stimulate technology development, innovation, and research into low- and zero-carbon fuels. We are already witnessing a surge in worldwide R&D initiatives focused on these alternative fuels, along with technological innovation, including pilot projects for hydrogen and ammonia vessels.

IMO is actively supporting Member States in their journey toward a greener shipping sector, continuously expanding our technical cooperation and capacity building programmes emphasizing technology deployment and green maritime infrastructure.

The digital and energy transition has also rightly brought attention to future maritime workforce and their well-being, as they remain at the forefront of shipping. We need to ensure that they are well equipped to work in the maritime sector of a green, sustainable and digital future.

IMO is committed to fostering education, training, and skills development for this evolving workforce.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Shipping and related industries are vital to international trade and sustainable development. Thanks to the contributions of all maritime stakeholders, IMO instruments are making shipping safer, more environmentally friendly, resilient, efficient, and sustainable.

As we pursue new ambitions and goals, we must collaborate more effectively, embrace diversity, break down barriers, and support developing countries, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Shipping has successfully navigated transitions over centuries, and it will continue to adapt and thrive.

I am confident that, with the continued support and cooperation of IMO Member States, including China, we will deepen international maritime cooperation and promote the sustainable development of the global shipping industry.

I wish you a successful Forum.

Thank you.