In late September the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) celebrated World Maritime Day in London by hosting a Symposium on a “Sustainable Maritime Transportation System”.
The initiative of IMO Secretary-General, Koji Sekimizu, with the aim for "the shipping industry to take the lead in the United Nations’ campaign towards achieving sustainable development," the symposium centred around a detailed proposal submitted by IMO titled the “Sustainable Maritime Transportation System” (SMTS).
Striving towards collaboration between all stakeholders within the shipping industry, the fundamental objective of the SMTS is to offer the entire planet a safe, efficient and reliable means of transportation of goods, all the while reducing pollution, maximising energy efficiency and ensuring the conservation of resources.
In summarising the works of the meeting, the IMO Secretary-General commented that the basic factor guaranteeing the success of this initiative is the co-operation of all, adding that the organisation will be used as a platform from which to promote this co-operation.
The symposium opens a discussion between governments, industry and NGOs for a truly sustainable development that will bring more consistent, economical and environmentally-friendly means of transportation to the fore.
Source: http://www.bairdmaritime.com
