Maritime industry leaders met to debate decarbonization, digital technologies and the future of safety at the annual meeting of the ABS South East Asia Regional Committee.
“Thanks to our deep roots in the region, ABS is able to call on the expertise of leaders to inform our approach to meeting industry challenges such as meeting IMO 2030 and 2050 objectives while ensuring safety standards are not compromised and keep pace with technological challenges,” said John McDonald, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development. “The Regional Committee is an example of how we work closely together to tackle their pressing technical, operational and regulatory challenges.”
The Committee heard about the best-in-class safety performance of ABS, including achieving more than two years without a work-related lost-time incident. The superior Port State Control performance of ABS and strong fleet safety performance underline its focus on safety and its mission.
ABS presented its innovative work on developing pathways to 2050 and demystifying digital technology.
Guest speaker Quay Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) detailed her ambitions for the development of Singapore as a vibrant international maritime center, focusing on digitalization and decarbonization. The MPA aims for Singapore to become the premier global hub port for connectivity, innovation, and talent; future proofing its operations with next generation vessel tracking systems, automated quay cranes and vehicles, smart fleet management and paperless operations, among other features.
“We’re in the face of transition so we must create an enabling environment for innovation,” she added.
Captain Rajalingam Subramaniam, President and CEO of AET Tanker Holdings and Chairman of the ABS South East Asia Committee challenged members and guests: “We must look for innovative solutions to improve efficiencies across the maritime industry and we should embrace diversity in all aspects of our work. As leaders, our small steps make huge impacts, and we have an accountability to pass along our industry in better shape for the next generation.”
The Committee meetings are a forum for ABS members, including owners, operators, charterers, and industry representatives from flag administrations, owner associations, and the shipbuilding and insurance sectors, to come together with ABS leaders and discuss industry issues and developments. These forums are an important part of an ongoing dialogue with industry to address technical, operational and regulatory challenges.