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Straits Times
14-07-2025
- 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.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India demands IMO probe into foreign cargo ship incidents
Representative image NEW DELHI: India strongly demanded that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) undertake a comprehensive investigation and global review of all maritime incidents involving foreign-flagged container vessels operating in Indian waters. It said these incidents, caused by undeclared hazardous cargoes, and structural and stability issues, have raised serious safety concerns. Participating in the 134th session of the Council of the IMO, port and shipping secretary T K Ramachandran underscored the need to reinforce international protocols related to packaging, declaration, stowage, and monitoring of lithium-ion batteries and International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDGs). In a statement, the port and shipping ministry said, "India delivered a principled statement addressing recent maritime incidents involving foreign-flagged container vessels operating in Indian waters." Citing the proactive role of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard in ensuring the safety of life at sea, the statement said India called for urgent enhancements in the safety framework for container shipping. India also proposed the establishment of IMO-led investigations into such incidents to help build global best practices, improve standardisation, and strengthen operational norms that ensure the safety and security of container ship operations across the world. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo There have been serious maritime incidents along India's coastline that exposed vulnerabilities in the current emergency response framework. The sinking of the container ship MSC ELSA 3 in May 2025 and the major fire and explosion on the container ship WAN HAI 503 in June 2025, off the coast of Kerala, led to the loss of several containers in the waters and the release of hazardous cargo and significant environmental risk.
India Today
08-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Ship attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, 2 crew members dead
Two seafarers on the Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier Eternity C were killed in a drone and speedboat attack off Yemen, Liberia's shipping delegation told a UN meeting on Tuesday, the second incident in a day after months of Red Sea, which passes Yemen's coast, has long been a critical waterway for the world's oil and commodities, but traffic has dropped since the Iran-aligned Houthi militia began targeting ships in November 2023 in what they said was solidarity with Palestinians against Israel in the Gaza deaths on Eternity C, the first involving shipping in the Red Sea since June 2024, bring the total number of seafarers killed in attacks on vessels plying the Red Sea to six. Hours before the latest attack, the Houthis had claimed responsibility for a strike on another Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier, the MV Magic Seas, off southwest Yemen on Sunday, saying the vessel sank. The vessel's manager said the information about the sinking could not be the crew on the Magic Seas were rescued by a passing merchant vessel and arrived safely in Djibouti on Monday, Djibouti authorities Houthis have not commented on the Eternity C."Just as Liberia was processing the shock and grief of the attack against Magic Seas, we received a report that Eternity C has again been attacked, attacked horribly and causing the death of two seafarers," Liberia's delegation told a session of the United Nations shipping agency, the International Maritime Organisation, held in London this November 2023, the Houthis have disrupted commerce by launching hundreds of drones and missiles at vessels in the Red Sea, saying they were targeting ships linked to the Houthis reached a ceasefire with the United States in May, the militia has reiterated that they will keep attacking ships it says are connected with Israel."After several months of calm, the resumption of deplorable attacks in the Red Sea constitutes a renewed violation of international law and freedom of navigation," IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said on Tuesday."Innocent seafarers and local populations are the main victims of these attacks and the pollution they cause."'ELEVATED RISKS'Both the Eternity C and Magic Seas were part of commercial fleets whose sister vessels have made calls to Israeli ports over the past year."The pause in Houthi activity did not necessarily indicate a change in underlying intent. As long as the conflict in Gaza persists, vessels with affiliations, both perceived and actual, will continue to face elevated risks," said Ellie Shafik, head of intelligence with the Britain-based maritime risk management company Vanguard least two other crew members were injured, Eternity C's operator, Cosmoship Management, and maritime security sources told Reuters, adding that the ship was C, with 22 crew members - 21 Filipinos and one Russian - on board, was attacked by sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades fired from manned speed boats, maritime security sources told seafarers - who form one of the world's largest pools of merchant mariners - have been urged to exercise their right to refuse to sail in "high-risk, war-like" areas, including the Red Sea, after the latest attacks, the Philippines' Department of Migrant Workers said on traffic through the region has declined by around 50% from normal levels since the first Houthi attacks in 2023, according to Jakob Larsen, chief safety and security officer with shipping association BIMCO."This reduction in traffic has persisted due to the ongoing unpredictability of the security situation. As such, BIMCO does not anticipate the recent attacks will significantly alter current shipping patterns," Larsen attack on Eternity C, 50 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah, was the second on merchant vessels in the region since November 2024, according to an official at the European Union's Operation Aspides, assigned to help protect Red Sea shipping.- EndsTune InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Red Sea
Express Tribune
28-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PNSC eyes $700m freight earnings in 3 years
Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) aims to generate an estimated $700 million in freight earnings by expanding its fleet to 34 vessels over the next three years, according to a statement released on Friday. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, outlining a new business strategy to revitalise the maritime and logistics sectors. The meeting was informed that PNSC currently handles around 11% of the country's cargo by volume and 4% by value. The national carrier is now targeting a substantial increase in its cargo share to 52% by volume and 43% by value, excluding containerised cargo, within three years. Presenting a forward-looking business plan, the minister described PNSC as central to enhancing Pakistan's maritime capabilities. He stressed the need for it to evolve into a globally competitive, technologically advanced, and environmentally sustainable entity aligned with international maritime standards. A key feature of the plan is the phased renewal and expansion of PNSC's aging fleet to boost cargo capacity, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure compliance with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards, including regulations on carbon emissions and ballast water management. To promote self-reliance, the minister proposed stronger collaboration between PNSC, Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works, and local industries to enable domestic construction of modern cargo ships, oil tankers, and container vessels. This initiative is expected to generate skilled employment, strengthen local supply chains, and revive Pakistan's shipbuilding sector. The expansion plan also recommends leveraging public-private partnerships, maritime leasing models, and international green shipping funds to support modernisation without burdening the national budget. Digital transformation was highlighted as another key priority. The plan includes adoption of the Pakistan Single Window (PSW), Vessel Traffic Management Systems (VTMS), blockchain-based documentation, e-logistics solutions, and real-time cargo tracking to improve transparency and operational efficiency. Environmental sustainability is central to the agenda, with PNSC set to adopt cleaner fuels, retrofit vessels for energy efficiency, and align with global decarbonisation goals. Chaudhry reaffirmed PNSC's strategic role in securing maritime sovereignty, economic stability, and resilient supply chains amid global uncertainty.
Gulf Today
22-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE advances as global maritime power through system of legislation, investments
The UAE has become a leading global maritime hub, building on a strong record of achievements, progressive legislation, and strategic investments that have made it a model in maritime sustainability, advanced infrastructure, and sound governance. Thanks to its strategic geographic location at the heart of global trade routes, the UAE has become a pivotal logistics hub connecting Eastern and Western markets. The UAE has also played an active role in shaping international maritime policies, contributing strategic proposals to update the legal maritime framework—particularly regarding the prevention of illegal practices related to fraudulent ship registration. The country has taken a leading role in drafting regulatory best practices for autonomous maritime vessels. The UAE boasts one of the most advanced maritime infrastructures in the region. In 2023, the country's ports handled around 21 million TEUs, setting record figures in facilitating trade and the flow of goods. The maritime sector contributed approximately AED135 billion to the national GDP, reflecting the vital economic importance of this sector. The UAE is considered the leading destination for commercial vessels in the region, thanks to its comprehensive services, high operational capabilities, and advanced digital systems that enhance the efficiency of logistics operations. The country has prioritised the development of human capital in the maritime sector, and through the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and maritime administration experts, has organized specialised training workshops in cooperation with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Between 2020 and 2025, six regional workshops were held, in addition to participating in audit missions for several countries, including Egypt, Greece, Malta, and Thailand. The UAE has also established several maritime academies, such as the Sharjah Maritime Academy and the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, alongside training programmes at the Higher Colleges of Technology. These institutions have graduated approximately 497 marine officers and engineers, including 100 female officers and engineers—a step that underscores the country's commitment to supporting women's roles in this vital sector. As part of its environmental commitment, the UAE has announced its Net Zero 2050 Strategy and has been a pioneer in implementing sustainable solutions within the maritime sector. Fujairah Port stands as a regional model for supplying ships with low-sulfur clean fuel and also offers liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering services, in alignment with the MARPOL Convention to prevent air pollution from ships. Moreover, the UAE has joined the Global Ports Hydrogen Coalition and the Green Shipping Corridors Alliance. The UAE is also among the leading developers of digital and smart systems in the maritime shipping sector. It has launched pioneering projects such as Blue Pass, Maqta Gateway, BoxBay intelligent container storage system, and CargoSpeed, along with container loading automation systems used in Abu Dhabi and Dubai ports. These advanced technologies contribute to reducing carbon emissions, improving supply chain efficiency, and offering a comprehensive model for logistical automation. UAE companies have extended their maritime sector investments to over 78 countries, contributing to the development of ports and maritime terminals, building global trade bridges, and advancing automation and digitalisation in global shipping. The number of ports operated by UAE national entities worldwide has reached 106, reflecting the country's advanced logistical position and its pivotal role in connecting global markets. The UAE has aligned its national strategy with the objectives of IMO and has declared its full support for decarbonising maritime transport. The country has also contributed to funding a dedicated IMO trust fund aimed at helping island and developing nations participate in IMO meetings, reinforcing the principles of inclusivity and equity. The UAE has actively participated in the IMO's regular meetings and has submitted significant initiatives to advance international regulations and standards. The country now seeks to renew its membership in the IMO Council to continue its vital role as a flag state, port state, coastal state, and a major global energy supplier. The UAE has transformed into a global convenor for international conferences and exhibitions in the maritime and logistics sectors, such as UAE Maritime Week, Breakbulk Middle East, and ADIPEC. These events aim to foster innovation and drive global dialogue on the future of sustainable maritime transport. The UAE has also actively participated in COP conferences and BRICS meetings focused on port decarbonisation, using these platforms to reaffirm its leadership role in shaping a low-emission maritime future. Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said, "The UAE is confidently progressing toward becoming a global maritime power, thanks to the vision of our wise leadership and the efforts of all those working in this sector. Today, we are accelerating the transition to a more sustainable and intelligent maritime transport system, reinforcing our position as a key contributor in shaping the future of global shipping." He added, "We are currently working to support the integration of digitalisation and sustainability across all aspects of the sector—whether through legislative frameworks or the adoption of advanced technologies such as autonomous ships. This reflects our commitment to enhancing the efficiency of maritime operations while achieving environmental sustainability. The UAE believes that innovation is the engine of the future, and we are ready to share our knowledge with the international community in pursuit of shared goals." He continued, "Our membership in the IMO Council is a responsibility that stems from our ongoing commitment to best practices and our dedication to sharing our expertise and supporting other nations in building a safe and advanced maritime sector. We believe that the UAE—through its human, technological, and investment capabilities—is well positioned to continue playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global maritime industry." Hassan Al Mansouri, Under-Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, stated, 'The maritime sector is one of the strategic pillars of the UAE's vision to build an integrated, sustainable, and smart transportation system, aligned with the nation's direction toward a diversified economy based on knowledge and advanced technologies. Through a maritime infrastructure that is among the most modern and efficient globally, the UAE has worked to empower global supply chains, enhance port readiness, and connect regional and international markets in a flexible and secure manner. We underscore our commitment to continued leadership and active contribution to shaping the future of maritime transport regionally and globally.' Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, affirmed that the UAE views the maritime sector as a central ingredient of comprehensive development, not merely as infrastructure or port activity. She added, 'This sector contributes to economic growth, environmental protection, and the creation of quality opportunities for society. The achievements realised at the national level are the result of a clear national vision and strong institutional will, and the UAE is working to share this successful experience internationally as a trusted and influential partner in shaping the future of the global maritime industry.' WAM
