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Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
UN aviation and maritime agencies pledge to collaborate to boost safety, tackle challenges
(From right) International Maritime Organisation secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez and International Civil Aviation Organisation secretary-general Juan Carlos Salazar, with moderator Karamjit Kaur in a dialogue session on July 14. SINGAPORE – The United Nations' aviation and maritime agencies have pledged to collaborate with each other to tackle common challenges at a global conference held on July 14 in Singapore. At a dialogue session held at Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium, the leaders of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) had agreed to tap each other's expertise to enhance aviation and maritime safety. The session, which involved Mr Juan Carlos Salazar, the Secretary-General of ICAO, and his IMO counterpart Mr Arsenio Dominguez, touched on topics such as the impact of geopolitical tensions, dangers faced at sea and in the air, the role of multilateralism, and gaining consensus from member states. Mr Salazar said both sectors faced common challenges, including dealing with political instability in the world , security and safety of maritime and aviation transport systems, as well as dealing with the environmental impact caused by both sectors. Noting that the dialogue was a good opportunity to showcase the 'deep connections' between the maritime and aviation sectors, Mr Salazar said the cross-pollination of ideas and exchange of experiences – regarding what worked for one organisation – would be beneficial, given that they face common challenges. The dialogue was moderated by The Straits Times' associate editor Karamjit Kaur. It was the first public sharing session that featured the leaders of both organisations. On political instability, Mr Salazar said during a press conference with Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow on the same day that the rearrangement of transit through conflict zones and management of crises are potential areas for collaboration between ICAO and IMO. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HSA intensifies crackdown on vapes; young suspected Kpod peddlers nabbed in Bishan, Yishun Singapore Man charged over distributing nearly 3 tonnes of vapes in one day in Bishan, Ubi Avenue 3 Singapore Singapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean Singapore Singapore to train more aviation and maritime officials from around the world Business Singapore's economy sees surprise expansion in Q2 despite US tariff uncertainty: Advance estimate Singapore High Court dismisses appeal of drink driver who killed one after treating Tampines road like racetrack Singapore 18 years' jail for woman who hacked adoptive father to death after tussle over Sengkang flat Singapore Jail, caning for man who had 285 child porn videos, including those that show infants Mr Dominguez agreed , adding that some common challenges both organisations face are the rerouting of travel paths, and spiking or interference of safety equipment onboard vessels and aircraft. The dialogue session touched on topics such as the impact of geopolitical tensions, dangers faced at sea and in the air, the role of multilateralism, and gaining consensus from member states. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY During the dialogue, Mr Salazar and Mr Dominguez had acknowledged the impact of the tense geopolitical backdrop on both sectors. Adding that moments of crises typically encourages members of the international community to come together, Mr Salazar said he is optimistic about the work both ICAO and IMO are doing together. Citing the Red Sea attacks as one of the biggest challenges the maritime sector is facing now, Mr Dominguez said that the industry is resilient enough to find alternative routes in the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Learning from these situations has made IMO more active in multilateralism as countries will work together to address common concerns and put themselves forward to be part of the solution, he added. Mr Dominguez said: 'So even though the challenges are there, it reiterates the importance of multilateralism in the UN as a whole.' Noting that both sectors are working towards their target of net-zero emissions, Mr Salazar said ICAO has set out specific decarbonisation steps known as a basket of measures. He added that ICAO is also looking at IMO's strategy on greenhouse gases, which has set out a clear end date by which fossil fuels will stop being used. He called it a 'very innovative scheme' that ICAO hopes to learn more from. 'I believe there are many opportunities to continue to collaborate, and we look forward to continuing to enhance the dialogue. There is very good chemistry between the two organisations,' added Mr Salazar.
Business Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- Business Times
Maritime, aviation sectors can learn from each other in tackling conflict risks, climate change: transport leaders
[SINGAPORE] The maritime and aviation sectors can work together to tackle shared global risks such as geopolitical conflict and climate change, said senior global transport officials on Monday (Jul 14). These are among 'common challenges and issues… that straddle both sectors', said Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow. 'To that end, we are looking at how we can train practitioners in both sectors to be able to look at these issues and to come up with innovative solutions to address them.' For a start, Singapore will work with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to develop new joint training programmes on areas such as sustainability, safety and capacity building, he added. This was at a press conference with ICAO's secretary-general Juan Carlos Salazar and IMO's secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez, held after the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium. The one-day event brought together more than 500 maritime and aviation leaders from over 60 countries and 90 organisations. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Collaboration between both transport sectors is not just possible, but necessary, said Dominguez. 'Sometimes we're portrayed as competing. But that's not the case.' One shared challenge is sustainability. Here, Siow noted, aviation has been focusing on sustainable aviation fuel due to its fixed infrastructure, while the maritime industry is exploring a broader mix of alternative fuels. ICAO's Salazar said that even as the aviation sector develops its own measures to cut carbon emissions, it is closely observing the IMO's decarbonisation framework, which he described as 'innovative'. As the aviation sector works towards a plan to address carbon emissions, it hopes to learn from the maritime sector's experience after it rolls out its net-zero framework later this year, he added. Safer skies and seas Beyond emissions, aviation and maritime can work together in many other areas, said Salazar. He named examples such as managing air and sea traffic in conflict zones, coordinating search and rescue operations, and improving crisis responses. 'Many of the challenges we face today are common: political instability, threats to security and safety of both maritime and aviation systems,' he said. 'These present opportunities to exchange and learn from each other.' His maritime counterpart Dominguez noted that safety challenges such as search and rescue, route disruptions, and safety equipment interference are shared across both sectors. ICAO's Salazar also noted that international civil aviation has long drawn from the maritime sector, particularly in legal frameworks. 'In that regard, I believe the cross-pollination… of experiences and best practices… is very important,' he said.
Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore to train more aviation and maritime officials from around the world
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow delivers his speech at the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium on July 14. SINGAPORE – More aviation and maritime officials from around the world will be trained here in Singapore, as the Republic launches and develops new training programmes in these two sectors. The programmes are part of moves to support the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO), which Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow said were examples of multilateral institutions that are 'pillars of a rules-based international order'. They are also seen as part of efforts to cement Singapore's position as an aviation and maritime hub. The training programmes include one for transport officials from the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which includes states in the Caribbean and Pacific islands, among others. The programme will focus on the unique challenges that SIDS - like Singapore - face in the aviation and maritime industries, Mr Siow said, speaking at the opening of the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium. The first training programme for SIDS will be in 2026, for officials from the Caribbean Island states. Courses for the Pacific Island states and others are also in the pipeline. Mr Siow also said Singapore will work with the ICAO and IMO on a new global initiative to develop and deliver specialised training programmes for officials and practitioners across both the aviation and maritime sectors. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Singapore's economy continues to expand in Q2 despite US tariff uncertainty: Advance estimate Singapore What's in a name? 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This is aimed at supporting officials from developing ICAO Member States in attending aviation-related courses. The Republic has also committed a second tranche of US$3 million to the Enhanced Technical Co-Operation and Training Package for IMO and its member States, said Mr Siow. These funds will support courses for seafarers on alternative fuels, digitalisation, marine casualty investigations and other areas. Singapore had already pledged US$5 million for a five-year period from 2024 to 2028. To date, Singapore has run aviation and maritime training courses for more than 1,800 participants under the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme, and over 2,400 participants under the Singapore-IMO Third Country Training Programme, Mr Siow said. Mr Siow said at the symposium that Singapore has been 'a strong supporter' of the ICAO and IMO since it joined both organisations in 1966, and served as a member of the ICAO and IMO Councils since 2003 and 1993, respectively. The event has brought the global aviation and maritime communities together for the first time, including the Secretaries-General of the ICAO and IMO, ICAO and IMO 'pillars' in unpredictable world Mr Siow said Singapore remains committed to working with the ICAO and IMO. 'In an increasingly unpredictable global climate, multilateral institutions like the ICAO and IMO are pillars of a rules-based international order,' he said. For example, the organisations' 'clear, rules-based frameworks' allow the safe movement of people and goods by air and sea, even during crises. And they provide 'steadfast leadership' even in 'periods of transition and turbulence', serving as platforms for collective action and global cooperation, Mr Siow said. To Singapore, 'connectivity is existential', Mr Siow said. 'We are a major aviation and maritime hub, connected to around 170 cities by air and over 600 ports across 120 countries.' Singapore is also a hub for international travel and trade, and has invested in upgrading its airport and seaport, as well as air traffic and vessel traffic management systems, he added. 'Because of Singapore's connectivity, we can see and feel first-hand how global trends are shaping aviation and maritime,' Mr Siow said. These trends include 'more fragmented and volatile' economic and geopolitical environments, resulting in rising costs and heightened uncertainty, said Mr Siow. This has had knock-on effects on freight networks and port operations worldwide. At the same time, consumer demand for transport is growing faster than capacity, Mr Siow noted. As passenger and cargo traffic by air and sea continue to grow, 'countries are striving to build infrastructure and capability to meet the rising demand'. The aviation and maritime industries are also grappling with longer-term issues such as climate change and technology, he added. In his speech, Mr Siow said two challenges that both industries must tackle are safety and sustainability. (From left) Minister of State Baey Yam Keng; Senior Minister of State Murali Pillai; ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar; Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow; IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez; Senior Minister of State Sun Xueling; and Permanent Secretary Lau Peet Meng in a group photo at the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium in Raffles City Convention Centre. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Safety the 'foundation' of aviation, maritime sectors Maintaining safety has become more demanding as air and sea traffic grows and operating environments become more complex, said Mr Siow. For example, airspace for flights is tightly regulated, and maritime vessels in open waters sail without central traffic control, relying on onboard navigation systems and local guidance near ports to ensure safe passage, said Mr Siow. New technologies are being used in both sectors to improve operations, 'but they also bring new risks', Mr Siow noted, such as cybersecurity threats and system vulnerabilities. 'We must ensure that our people are well-equipped to use these technologies safely, and make the right decisions even under pressure,' Mr Siow said. 'This is why training remains critical.' As for sustainability, Mr Siow noted that the aviation and maritime sectors each contribute about 3 per cent of global emissions, adding that aviation and maritime decarbonisation must be balanced against economic development. The ICAO and IMO have adopted 2050 net-zero carbon emissions goals. For aviation, the key is the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel which can reduce emissions by up to 80 per cent, compared to fossil jet fuel on a life-cycle basis. Importantly, sustainable aviation fuels can be used with existing aircraft engines and airport infrastructure. This is not the case for the maritime sector. While there are various alternative marine fuel options - such as liquefied natural gas, biofuels, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen - the availability of infrastructure for these fuels varies across shipping routes. 'The maritime community is therefore preparing for a multi-fuel future,' Mr Siow noted. More than 500 delegates, including transport ministers, senior officials, regulators and industry leaders and experts from more than 80 countries are in Singapore to attend the symposium, which runs until July 18.
Business Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Business Times
Acting Transport Minister Siow announces global maritime and aviation training initiatives, new support scheme for small island nations
[SINGAPORE] Singapore will develop specialised training programmes with the United Nations' transport agencies and launch a separate initiative for fellow small island states, as part of its broader push to strengthen global cooperation in aviation and maritime resilience. The announcements were made by Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow at the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium on Monday (Jul 14), where he addressed over 500 delegates – including ministers, regulators and industry leaders – from more than 80 countries and 90 organisations. Also in attendance at the symposium were the chiefs of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Juan Carlos Salazar and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez. Held at the Raffles City Convention Centre, the symposium marked the first time the global aviation and maritime communities have convened under one roof. Noting Singapore's longstanding support for the ICAO and the IMO, Siow said the Republic will build on this by co-developing new global training programmes with both bodies for officials and practitioners in the aviation and maritime sectors. 'With the expertise and support of ICAO and IMO, these training programmes will better equip the international aviation and maritime communities, to build stronger and more resilient international transport systems,' said Siow, who is also Senior Minister of State for Finance. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The Ministry of Transport (MOT) said that the programme may cover leadership development and technical skills upgrading in areas such as digital transformation, safety and security management, and accident investigation. It will be developed over the course of 2026 with support from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Siow also announced a new initiative tailored to the needs of Small Island Developing States, such as Singapore. The first course will launch in 2026 for officials from the Caribbean Island States, with future courses planned for the Pacific Islands and others. The programme will be delivered in partnership with CAAS, the Singapore Aviation Academy, MPA and the MPA Academy. It will offer one to two courses a year, tailored to different levels – from senior leadership to technical and operational roles – and conducted in person, virtually or in-region. Countries eligible for the programme are members of the Alliance of Small Island States, of which Singapore is a member. A limited number of fellowships will be offered each year, covering travel, accommodation, course fees and allowances. Alongside the new initiatives, Siow also announced updates to Singapore's longstanding partnerships with the UN transport bodies. Singapore will extend the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme for another three years, providing 330 fellowships and 10 scholarships worth US$1.8 million. Since its launch in 2001, the programme has trained more than 1,800 participants. Separately, Singapore will contribute a second tranche of US$3 million to the IMO's Enhanced Technical Cooperation and Training Package, adding to an initial US$2 million committed for 2024 to 2025. The funds will support courses for seafarers in areas such as alternative fuels, digitalisation and marine casualty investigations. Discussing issues together These announcements come as global transport systems face mounting pressures from shifting geopolitics, supply chain disruptions, climate change and rapid technological shifts. Siow said that as a major aviation and maritime hub – connected to around 170 cities by air and more than 600 ports – Singapore sees first-hand how these forces are reshaping the sectors. For instance, geopolitical tensions, tariffs and regional conflicts have disrupted air and sea corridors, while businesses are redesigning supply chains in response to uncertainty. At the same time, demand continues to outpace capacity, climate pressures are driving decarbonisation efforts, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming operations. 'These challenges will require the sustained efforts of states and stakeholders globally. No country, no company, can do this by ourselves,' he said. 'Looking at the work ahead of us in tackling emerging challenges and seizing opportunities in aviation and maritime, it is timely that we have come together to discuss these issues.' Against this backdrop, Siow emphasised the importance of institutions such as ICAO and IMO, calling them 'pillars of a rules-based international order'. 'Singapore remains fully committed to supporting the ICAO and IMO in their missions and work, and to partnering other member states and the industry to address common challenges and opportunities to advance the global aviation and maritime sectors,' said Siow.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India presents candidature for International Maritime Organisation Council
India has presented its candidature for re-election to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council at the organisation's 134th session in London, where the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways highlighted key aspects of maritime safety and gender inclusivity. At a special India-themed reception at the IMO Headquarters on Thursday evening, Ministry Secretary T K Ramachandran and Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami announced the decision to seek re-election in Category B of the Council. The election for the 2025-26 biennium will take place at the organisation's Assembly later this year and follows India's re-election with the highest tally back in December 2023. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Walmart Cameras Captured These Hilarious 20 Photos Undo "India embraces the philosophy of One Earth, One Family, One Future, and we bring this vision to life through fostering robust and collaborative maritime efforts," said Ramachandran in his address at the reception. "Under our Vision 2047 , we see maritime growth as a corner of global progress, and we deeply value a growing engagement with the IMO and its member states... we have several pillars, including shipbuilding, ship recycling, ship financing, ship ownership and ship flagging, the entire ecosystem," he said. Live Events The senior official highlighted the ministry's plans to invest USD 1 trillion in the sector over the next 25 years as he invited representatives from around the world to "partner with India in this quest for us to become one of the leading maritime nations in the world, and I trust that we will continue to receive your support as we seek re-election to the IMO Council". India's candidature falls under the Category of 10 states with "the largest interest in international seaborne trade", alongside Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). "I do want to emphasise how much we value the partnerships that we have forged with many delegations here, across the years, and our effort to see the IMO as a central pillar of the international order in the international maritime system, but most of all, as a technocratic body staffed by highly skilled professionals who do so much to ensure that our world functions in the way to which we have gotten used to," said Doraiswami. The IMO is the premier body that oversees the maritime sector, which in turn underpins international trade, transport and all maritime activities. The Council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the organisation. The Assembly normally meets once every two years in a regular session. It is responsible for approving the work programme, voting the budget and determining the financial arrangements of the organisation. It also elects the organisation's 40-Member Council at these meetings for the next two-year period. The delegation led by Ramachandran reaffirmed India's continued support to IMO's efforts towards maritime safety, environmental protection, and inclusive development of the global maritime community during the IMO Council session in London. Earlier in the week, the team jointly hosted an 'India Maritime Investment Meet' with the High Commission of India in London to showcase the country as a fast-growing maritime economy and invite representatives from the UK's shipping industries to India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, scheduled for October.
