Major industry topics in focus of Panama World Maritime Day event

The connections between ships, ports and people were once again the focus for an international audience, as Panama hosted the 2017 World Maritime Day Parallel Event, on 1-3 October.

During the keynote address, which focused on the World Maritime Day theme “Connecting ships, ports and people”, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim emphasized IMO’s strong commitment to helping achieve the aims of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations.

    “Shipping and ports can play a significant role in helping to create conditions for increased prosperity and stability through promoting maritime trade. As our theme for this year emphasizes, the port and maritime sectors can be wealth creators, both on land and at sea,” Mr. Lim said.

The symposium continued with insightful sessions addressing topics related to the “Connecting ships, ports and people” theme, including the role of flag States in the development of the maritime industry; port activities; and challenges facing seafarers.

Participants also heard about the expansion of the Panama Canal from Mr. Jorge Quijano, Chief Executive Officer, Panama Canal Authority.

Jeffrey G. Lantz, Director, Commercial Regulations and Standards, United States Coast Guard and Chair of the IMO Council, outlined how IMO connects ships, ports and people and offered a perspective on what could be done to enhance the linkages between them.

The event in Panama was attended by some 600 representatives from the maritime community in Panama and other countries, including government representatives and representatives from the maritime industry, non-governmental organizations and academia.

Further, transport and maritime Ministers/Vice-Ministers from eight countries, who were attending the World Maritime Day Parallel Event, took part in a roundtable discussion with IMO Secretary-General Lim. Discussions focused on capacity building and maritime education, emphasizing the use of technology to disseminate educational material; and security, including piracy and cyber security, recognized as a key challenge facing the maritime industry.