Day of the Seafarer 2023 - Malaysia National Celebration

Day of the Seafarer 2023 - Malaysia National Celebration - SEAFARER CARNIVAL - MARINA PUTRAJAYA

Saturday, 24 June 2023

Opening - Mr. Kitack Lim, Secretary-General, IMO

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

I am very pleased to address you during your national celebration of the Day of the Seafarer. I would like to express my deep appreciation to the Government of Malaysia for providing a forum to celebrate this important day.
Shipping and its seafarers lie at the heart of the global economy. Seafarers are key to shipping – and their wellbeing is paramount. As a former seafarer myself, their safety and security are very close to my heart. I have often referred to seafarers as the unsung heroes of the global economy. They are on the frontline in delivering vital goods across the seas, a responsibility that has been particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every day, hundreds of thousands of seafarers are underway on ships, playing a vital role in global trade, transporting cargoes and ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely. Without them, shipping simply does not function. Although much has changed over the years, seafarers' work is often physically and mentally demanding, so shore leave, access to medical care and well-being support are essential. If we do not ensure seafarers' rights and well-being, we will not be able to retain the existing seafarers in the profession and will certainly not be in a position to attract any new ones, which would have huge and long-lasting consequences.

To ensure the human element is fully integrated in our work and given the importance it deserves, the IMO Assembly has updated IMO’s Strategic Plan so that it now includes the Human Element as a key Strategic Direction, providing a framework for enhanced engagement over this important resource. IMO will also continue to deal with challenges related to the support for seafarers through a multi-pronged approach, including policy development and partnerships with other agencies and the industry. We will also continue to work with governments, and other international organizations to enhance maritime safety and security. We all know that training seafarers is crucial and that their skills need to be continually updated to adapt to evolving trends. We are, therefore conducting a comprehensive review of the international treaty for seafarer training and certification - the STCW Convention. This review will provide an opportunity to consider the requirements that the convention addresses as shipping transitions to become more sustainable and efficient using new technologies.

As we are all aware, at this pivotal time in history the maritime industry is contributing to the efforts of the entire world to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, in a bid to increase efficiency and sustainability, the industry has embraced digitalization and automation. All these efforts mean the industry is undergoing complex and substantial change. The discussion about this transition has rightly moved to include a strong focus on future maritime workers who will remain at the sharp end of shipping. Seafarers' voices and actions are key to ensuring a just transition to a zero-carbon and digital future so we must ensure that maritime personnel, and in particular our seafarers, are kept front and centre of the technology transition. IMO will foster education, training and skills for the maritime workforce so that they evolve with the industry to make it ready to support a sustainable shipping industry. This transition can also enable the sector to reconnect with younger generations and attract more women to join the sector, in all regions of the world, many of whose careers will feature the renewable energy generation and energy efficiency technology that will be vital for shipping's future. We must rise to the challenge and create a workforce that will operate the green ships of the future safely and securely. I am sure that, together, we can do it.

We recognize the transitions that are occurring in maritime, including decarbonization, automation and digitalization. Our challenge is to ensure this is a just and equitable transition that leaves no one behind – and that seafarers from all countries have the right skills and training to continue to contribute to global trade. Let's all work together for a better future for all maritime personnel and for the industry.

Now, it just remains for me to wish you a happy International Day of the Seafarer!

Thank you.