The 14th of October 2022 was the final day of the World Maritime Day Parallel Event (WMDPE) in Durban at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. The day was filled with a collaboration of events and diverse activities that were structured to leave a permanent mark on all the attendees about South Africa as well as to remain and produce information sharing session under the theme for the entire 3-day event – ‘New Technologies for Greener Shipping’.
The closing day started with an information gathering session which was in two forms: a panel discussion by some of the maritime industry leaders as well as a speech done by the IMO Council Chair, Mr. Victor Jiménez Fernández.
The panel discussion was on the topic of ‘Oceans/Blue Economy’ which was facilitated by Mr. Vusi September who is the Corporate Affairs Executive at the South African Maritime Safety and Authority (SAMSA). The session comprised industry leaders who are well-seasoned in Maritime Transport topics. The topics that were covered in the panel discussion were; Ship Building – National Perspective (Ship Yards ) in support of Oceans Economy, which was led by Mr. Mholi Shandu – Head of Revenue Generation at Sandock Austral Shipyards (SAS); Women Empowerment in Oceans Economy from a WOMESA representative which was led by Ms. Meenaksi Bhirugnathi from Mauritius; Port Contribution to the Oceans Economy which was led by Dr. Dineo Mazibuko from the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) as well as; Oceans Economy Value Chain which was led by Ms. Noxolo Ncayo from Ocean Econ.
“Over this parallel event, we have already taken the opportunity to hear about two keywords that describe how this outcome [IMO outcomes for the next year] can be achieved. The words are – innovation & inclusivity. But the question is – how can we materialize these concepts or what can we do to make them happen? Innovation is fundamental to a successful energy transition in the maritime industry. Innovation does not only require new technologies and infrastructure as supporting shipping components, but it also serves as an opportunity to open up government and financial issues which all have an impact on the decarbonization of the shipping industry” said the IMO Council Chair, Mr. Victor Jiménez Fernández as he provided his remarks on the last day.
The final day also presented a jubilant ending with singing and dancing from Izwilesizwe Primary School as well as the South African Navy Band. The final session was facilitated by Ms. Londy Ngcobo, the first female dredge master, where the IMO Secretary General, Mr. Kitack Lim as well as the Deputy Minister of the Department of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga were presented their closing remarks at the WMDPE closing session.
“I can confirm that as South Africa, we have done some work towards greener shipping hence the green transport strategy that was adopted by our cabinet. South Africa has adopted almost all the IMO mandatory instruments and domesticated them to national legislation. These frameworks have assisted us in facilitating global seaborne trade and enabled us to perform our port state control, flag state & coastal state responsibilities.” Said the Department of Transport Deputy Minister, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga.
With South Africa being the host country for the 2022 WMDPE, Hon. Chikunga accepted the Commemorative Plaque, on the country’s behalf and the WMDPE flag was given to an Islamic Republic of Iran representative as they will be the host of the 2023 WMDPE.