Thirteen founding members were present today for the launch of the Global Industry Alliance (GIA), a new IMO public-private initiative which aims to support the actions undertaken by the shipping sector and its related industries toward a low-carbon future.
Together, the GIA partners will collectively identify and develop innovative solutions to address common barriers to the uptake and implementation of energy efficiency technologies and operational measures. Focusing on a number of priority areas including energy efficiency technologies and operational best practices, alternative fuels, and digitalization. Activities likely to be undertaken or promoted by the alliance will include: research and development; showcasing of advances in technology development and positive initiatives by the maritime sector; encouraging global industry dialogue; and the implementation of capacity building and information exchange activities.
The GIA was officially inaugurated at a launch ceremony held at the headquarters of the IMO.
Among the 13 initial members are four shipowners including MSC. Diego Aponte, MSC’s president and CEO, said: “We firmly believe that this initiative led by the IMO can make a tangible impact on the long-term sustainability performance of our industry.”
In his launch speech, IMO secretary-general Kitack Lim said: “What we are witnessing today is the formal start of a tried and tested partnership concept which has the potential to boost still further our efforts to kick-start the change that society demands and create a firm, tangible basis to transform the shipping sector for the better.”
