G20 Side Event: International Conference on Shipping Decarbonization in Indonesia

G20 Indonesia 2022

G20 Side Event: International Conference on Shipping Decarbonization in Indonesia (full recording) 

Bali, 27-28 October

Organized by: • Indonesia Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment • International Maritime Organization • Danish Maritime Authority • Royal Danish Embassy in Indonesia

Opening session - Recorded speech by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim

Excellencies, Ministers, Ambassadors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

I am very pleased to address you at this side event, which brings to global attention the progress shipping is making towards decarbonization.

My appreciation goes to the Government of Indonesia through the Indonesia Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment; the Danish Maritime Authority and the Royal Danish Embassy in Indonesia for their cooperation and collaboration in organising this important event in the run up to the G20 summit in a few weeks' time in Indonesia.

The energy transition and action on climate change is one of earth's greatest challenges.

Decarbonizing international shipping is a priority issue for IMO and we are all committed to act together in achieving the highest possible ambition.

While there are significant obstacles to overcome in our decarbonization journey, we must not forget that this transition also comes with significant opportunities, including for developing countries, such as the expansion of renewable energy production or the inclusion of developing countries in route-based action plans.

Recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and other relevant bodies have underscored the urgency to tackle climate change by all sectors to secure human wellbeing and the health of the planet.

IMO is at the forefront of maritime's response to this quest.

Just last week, IMO hosted its Second IMO Symposium on alternative low- and zero-carbon fuels for shipping.

I was encouraged by the positive reports of progress in several countries towards building renewable energy production for shipping.  

IMO Member States are also actively engaged in the process of revising the Initial IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships and in developing a basket of candidate mid-term measures, including technical and economic elements, that will set global shipping on an ambitious path to phasing out GHG emissions towards the middle of this century.

The revised IMO GHG Strategy, including revised GHG reduction targets and the basket of IMO's next set of GHG reduction measures, will be agreed by July 2023.

Incentivizing the availability and scalability of low- and zero-carbon marine fuels and technologies and ensuring the ability of all Member States to take part in this transition is paramount.

In parallel, we need to look at any measures that may need to be put in place to address safety issues related to alternative fuels.

We should not forget that we will need relevant training for the maritime workforce as we chart the way forward for decarbonizing international shipping.

Pilot projects have been initiated across some regions, and Denmark is a pioneer in this area. But we will only succeed by journeying together.

Developing countries need support from developed countries in adjusting to the energy transition as we address capacity, technology, and infrastructure needs.

I therefore welcome Denmark's initiative to actively share knowledge and technical solutions in maritime decarbonization with Indonesia.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We need to boost collaboration and partnership, including reinforcing links between shipping and other sectors, such as energy and port industries.

And this transition must be inclusive. We need all hands-on deck to overcome obstacles, identify safe travel routes and successfully decarbonize international shipping.

I look forward to hearing the outcomes of your important discussions.

Thank you.

 

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