General Statement by Minister Khaw Boon Wan at The 30th Regular Session of The Assembly Of The International Maritime Organization

Mr President,

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates, 

1.     I would first like to express our deepest condolences to our friends from Egypt and Argentina.  Let me also welcome Belarus as the newest member of the IMO.  Singapore looks forward to working with Belarus, and other fellow member states, to advance the IMO's objectives and address key challenges in the maritime industry.

Celebrate 70 Years of the IMO Convention

2.     Next year is a special year for the IMO.  We will celebrate 70 years since the adoption of the IMO Convention and 60 years since it came into force.  Since its establishment, the IMO has done good work in developing and implementing international standards to support safe, efficient and sustainable shipping.

3.     As a global maritime community, we have come a very long way.  But we will have to confront new challenges that lie ahead of us.  Let me briefly highlight two such challenges which the IMO must address in the coming years.

Address New Emerging Developments

4.     First, the IMO must address new emerging developments.  And they are emerging rapidly, disrupting traditional models and approaches.  In particular, the shift towards digital economies, disruptive technologies and the emergence of new business models are blurring the lines between the shipping and logistics sectors, and disrupting global supply chains.  Shipping lines will need to be more nimble.  Port operators will need to re-conceive the notion of connectivity along multi-modal lines.  We are also at the dawn of a future where autonomous ships will move people and cargoes around.

5.     These developments will change the traditional shipping industry in profound and fundamental ways.  Member states will need to future-proof our ports and ensure they can meet the new demands of shipping lines.  Shipping lines themselves will need to restructure and transform.  Member states must ensure their economic policies and business environment can assist the maritime industry to restructure and enable it to thrive. IMO will need to be proactive in galvanising member states to address these challenges comprehensively.  This way, the IMO can stay relevant in its role as the standard bearer and regulator for international shipping.

Ensure Sustainable Shipping

6.     Second, the IMO needs to ensure shipping remains sustainable by making wise regulatory choices which help balance the competing needs of safety, security, environmental protection, and economic viability of the shipping industry.  A failed shipping industry will paralyse world commerce.  This is a critical consideration as shipping is still the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly means of moving goods around the world.  Shipping is indeed the lifeblood that sustains global prosperity.

7.     It is important that the IMO remains committed to practical solutions that promote sustainable development of the global shipping industry, and to do so in an inclusive and effective manner.  I am confident that we have the collective wisdom to do so.

Conclusion

8.     These require all of us to work together, share ideas and best practices, find creative solutions, reach consensus and then stay steadfast in implementing these solutions.  Singapore looks forward to working closely with the IMO Secretariat, as well as fellow member states, to advance our common goals and realise the full potential of international shipping.

9.     Thank you.