Shipping is a pillar of the world economy, which plays an important role in facilitating the seamless movement of goods, resources and communities across the world. When we speak about shipping, safety is, and must always be, a top priority, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha said.
Ensuring the safety of ships, crews and cargo is essential for the smooth operation of the industry, safeguarding lives and protecting the environment, all while ensuring international trade can continue operating efficiently without disruption, the minister who is also the Chairman of the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPADB) said in a message on the occasion of World Maritime Day 2024.
“Since its establishment in 1948, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has placed safety at the heart of its mission, continuously updating its regulations to address current challenges and anticipate future needs.
“The theme this year, ‘Navigating the Future: Safety First!’ aligns with the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), a key international treaty aimed at protecting the safety of ships, crews and passengers,” said the minister.
The minister added, “This year’s theme reflects the IMO’s dedication to maritime safety, particularly in the face of new technological advancements. It calls for safety standards to evolve in tandem with the rapid developments in digitalisation and automation, which are transforming the global shipping industry.
“I am pleased to share that this year also marks the 40th anniversary of the Sultanate’s membership in the IMO. As we celebrate this milestone, it is important that we reaffirm our commitment to maintaining safety, security and environmental protection in all maritime operations.
“As a member state, Brunei acknowledges that since January 1, the requirement to use a single, centralised digital platform or ‘Maritime Single Window’ (MSW) to collect and exchange information with ships when they call at ports, has become mandatory on all member states.
“Therefore, the Sultanate, through the respective agencies, are working together to ensure the country will fulfil this important requirement by March next year.
“By implementing this system, we will see more streamlined processes, improved cargo management as well as enhanced the overall efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness of our maritime sector. The initiative also reflects our continuous efforts to improve safety and security which is in line with this year’s World Maritime Day theme.
“Looking ahead, Brunei is steadily modernising its maritime sector by embracing digitalisation and automation, in line with the nation’s broader strategic goals.
“The Sultanate is also exploring the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and e-navigation systems to improve the safety and efficiency of maritime operations.
“While we are still in the early stages of adopting some of these technologies, there is a clear direction towards digitalisation and modernisation,” said the minister.
Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary said, “We will continue to work closely with IMO to strengthen our commitment to sustainable and efficient shipping practices. By staying aligned with SOLAS and integrating the standards into our national maritime policies, the country ensures full compliance and fortifies its commitment to safe, secure and efficient maritime operations, in line with global best practices.
“As a demonstration of our commitment as a signatory to SOLAS, the Sultanate upholds its obligation to international safety standards through the enforcement of safety regulations that align with the Convention’s principles to ensure that our shipping industry meets international standards for ship construction, safety equipment, fire protection and life-saving appliances.
“Our nation also emphasises the training and capacity building of maritime personnel to ensure they are well-versed in SOLAS safety protocols to maintain safe maritime operations.
“A notable achievement for the country is the recent qualification of MPABD personnel as auditors under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).
“The qualification, achieved through a sub-regional training course for auditors, marks a significant step forward for the Sultanate.
“It strengthens our national capacity to contribute to global maritime safety standards and is a reflection of international recognition of our national expertise, as they are included in the pool of auditors qualified to carry out IMSAS audits for IMO member states.
“I am confident that Brunei will see more of our personnel obtaining this internationally recognised qualification and utilise their expertise to contribute to the global maritime safety,” the minister said.
“On this World Maritime Day, as we navigate the future with safety first, we reaffirm that our focus remains on maintaining the highest safety standards to ensure the protection of both ships and the lives they carry.
“I would like to thank all seafarers, mariners and those in the industry for your invaluable contribution and encourage you all to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in your work. Together, let’s continue to steer our maritime sector toward a brighter and more sustainable future,” the minister said.
