Oceanic threats are not only safety issues but also marine pollution and unsustainable exploitation of maritime resources. Environmental issues are increasingly challenging due to the ocean’s nature of having no boundaries.
This was conveyed by Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha in a message to mark World Maritime Day 2022 celebration.
The minister said this year’s celebration themed ‘New Technologies for Greener Shipping’ aims to highlight initiatives to address the most pressing ocean and environmental concerns including climate change, marine pollution, and preserving biodiversity. It reflects the importance of supporting the green transition in the maritime sector to develop a sustainable future, without leaving anyone behind.
Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary said Brunei Darussalam’s 10 strategies to shape the nation into a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy set the the tone for the shipping sector to meet targets established by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 2030 Agenda.
“These goals are supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through its work in decarbonisation, circular economy, and rethinking plastics. At the regional level, ASEAN Maritime Transport is actively working with one another as well as partnering with leading organisations and dialogue partners such as Japan, South Korea and the European Union (EU) to promote innovation and green technology in the region.
“It is our aspiration for the Sultanate to maintain a shipping industry that is safe, secure, sustainable and resilient while also pursuing growth. With that in mind, I urge that we and the industry players to continuously keep ourselves abreast with industry developments, adapt and position ourselves to be future ready,” said the minister.
