The green transition is one of the greatest challenges that the shipping sector has ever faced. It requires a wide range of efforts, including an ambitious, global regulatory framework, but it also provides potential for new green jobs and a new green economy. To address this, MARINA invited delegates from 20 countries in the region, as well as international and regional organizations and industry stakeholders, to a conference titled “Seizing Opportunities for Green Shipping in Asia and the Pacific”.
The conference set the scene for highly relevant presentations and discussions on challenges and opportunities for Asian and Pacific maritime nations on decarbonisation of shipping.
In his opening remarks, the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, Kitack Lim, emphasized the urgency of mitigating emissions in the shipping sector and called for member states to be bold enough to take part in global action towards the green transition.
Taking this into account, the participants highlighted the need for enhanced regional and interregional cooperation as well as new ways of working together, including cooperation between the public and private sector. Moreover, the participants highlighted the importance of innovative financing and access to financial tools in order for developing countries to leapfrog and tap into the potential of the green transition by creation of green jobs, reskilling of seafarers and alternative fuel production.