Page 24 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024

INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH

need to tell the maritime story in a way that
resonates with people and shows the sector’s
impact.
For this, I am keen to enhance media engage-
ment and boost outreach to audiences beyond
the maritime community. I am committed to
transparency and making IMO information
more accessible to the broader public, for
example, through our website and social media.

❺ Given the ever-changing legislative
and technological landscape of the
shipping industry, in which sectors
do you believe shipping companies
need to take further initiatives?
The green transition in the maritime industry
is unfolding at a rapid pace. However, there is a
need to consider issues such as safety, pricing,
infrastructural availability to deliver new fuels,
lifecycle emissions, supply chain constraints,
IMO Secretary-General shipping in the Red Sea are unacceptable - barriers to adoption, and more. Seafarers will
Arsenio Dominguez the tragic loss of seafarers’ lives in the recent require training to operate the new technology
at Singapore Maritime Week attack on the True Confidence is particularly safely.
2024 (15-4-24).
devastating. We need “early movers” in the industry as well
Innocent seafarers must not be made collateral as forward-looking policymakers to take the
victims. While there are far-reaching implica- necessary risks and secure the right invest-
tions for global trade posing a direct threat to ments that will stimulate long-term solutions
global supply chains, our primary concern is for the sector. However, I am encouraged to
the safety of seafarers, who are simply trying see that the industry is ready to embrace the
to do their jobs. journey to net zero shipping.

❸ In light of the Red Sea crisis, what ❻ Does the shipping industry need
initiatives has the IMO undertaken regional measures for shipping?
to ensure crew safety? Shipping is a global industry, and as such, it
We are closely monitoring the developments requires global regulations. Because of the
in the Red Sea and engaging in constant dia- international nature of shipping – a ship can
logue and diplomacy to try to ensure that sea- be flagged in one state, owned in another, and
farers, ships, and cargoes are protected. In crewed by seafarers of different nationalities
such contexts, the IMO serves as a vital forum while sailing in the territorial waters of differ-
for bringing together stakeholders, including ent states and international waters – global
governments, partners, and UN agencies, to regulations are essential, and the IMO has con-
share information, find solutions, and provide sistently demonstrated this over its 76 years
assistance as needed. of experience.
More generally, the IMO provides long-term
support to build the capacity of regional and ❽ Generation Z is entering the work-
national bodies to strengthen maritime secu- force. Does this new generation dis-
rity in the Red Sea through legislation, mari- play any distinct characteristics?
time security strategies, and information-shar- What does the shipping industry
ing networks. need to do differently in order to
recruit and retain the talent found
❹ Does the shipping industry deserve within Gen Z?
a better public image, and if so, how Gen Z is a dynamic, digital generation. These
can this be achieved? young people have grown up with the con-
Shipping is not recognised enough for its venience of the internet, social media, and
essential role in daily life. Most of all the electronics as part of their everyday lives. In
goods we use on a daily basis, including food, this way, they are able to leverage digital tools
fuel, and electronics, are brought via ship. We perhaps more readily than others. They would

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