Page 7 - 2023 - Q4 - Minerva in Focus

IMO Secretary-General IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez the continuing attacks against commercial
condemns attacks has strongly condemned attacks against shipping in the area, Mr. Dominguez under-
international shipping in the Red Sea area,
scored that ships must be allowed to trade
against international while reiterating the commitment of IMO worldwide unhindered and in accordance
to protect seafarers, ships, and cargoes to
with international law.
shipping ensure the safety and security of global He highlighted the importance of this vital
supply chains.
in the Red Sea area shipping lane, which records around 15%
Addressing the United Nations Security of international shipping trade.
#redsea
Council during its first open meeting on
“I would like to take this opportunity to re-
iterate the call for de-escalation, to ensure
safety of our seafarers, freedom of naviga-
tion and stability of supply chains,” he said.

Since the beginning of November 2023, a
number of attacks have been launched
against commercial vessels in the Red Sea
area. While initial target ships were linked to
Israel, this is no longer the case. At least 18
shipping companies have already decided
to re-route their vessels around South Afri-
ca, adding 10 days to the journey, negatively
affecting trade and increasing freight rates.

Source: International Maritime Organization

Training seafarers for a International Transport Workers’ Federation, IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emis-
decarbonized future explains: “Seafarers are at the heart of the sions from Ships sets a common ambition
just transition needed in the shipping in-
to reach net-zero GHG emissions from inter-
#training dustry, and training the current and future national shipping by or around 2050 (taking
workforce is crucial to ensure that workers’ into account different national circum-
A new training project will prepare seafarers expertise is front and centre as the industry stances); and a commitment to ensure an
for zero or near-zero emission ships, helping transitions and decarbonizes. We have heard uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission
the global shipping industry decarbonize the message loud and clear from seafarers technologies, fuels and/or energy sources
and ensure a just transition for seafarers. around the world, they are ready to lead, to represent at least 5%, striving for 10%, of
they are ready to shape the training frame- the energy used by international shipping,
Research commissioned by the Maritime Just works for the zero carbon fuels of the future.” by 2030.
Transition Task Force identified that 800,000
seafarers may require additional training by Preparing the entire shipping industry for Source: International Transports Workers’
the mid-2030s in order to operate vessels the green transition is essential. The 2023 Federation (ITF)
run on zero or near zero emission fuels.

With seafarers at the core of the shipping
industry, this training is vital to ensure
a successful and just transition to a new
shipping landscape. The training frame-
work, funded through the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) and Lloyd’s
Register Foundation, will equip seafarers
with skills in decarbonization, and provide
guidance for trainers and the industry.

The project is being announced at the 2023
UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28),
meeting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates,
from 30 November to 12 December 2023.
Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the

7