India supports UAE’s proposal to include digitization in IMO Strategic Plan, said Sanjeev Ranjan, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).

Speaking at the 128th Session of the Council of International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, Ranjan said that India also supports the adoption of a maritime single window system as a part of the digitization initiative. “It will help in resolving the regulatory bottlenecks faced in the maritime industry. Time bound action plans for digitization should be part of the IMO strategic directions.”

The Secretary added that India’s statement at COP 27 was that the journey towards a planet safe for humanity is a collective journey to be undertaken with equity with climate justice as our guiding principles. “India’s stand that decarbonization and funding for the same may be included as a separate strategic direction with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC) as its cornerstone for the way forward.”

India appreciates the proposal of UAE on ‘Capacity-Building Decade 2021-2030’ strategy including the concept of ‘no one should be left behind’.

“India has noted that this element does not appear to be comprehensively absorbed within the ambition of the 8 strategic directions under the existing Strategic Plan. We, therefore, consider this aspect as crucial for the effective usage of financial and technical resources available with IMO through Technical Cooperation Committee’s work to assist developing states,” said the Ministry of Ports, Shiping and Waterways.

IMO is working to ensure shipping can embrace the digital revolution – while ensuring safety, boosting environmental protection and managing cyber security risks. “Cooperation between all relevant stakeholders, from shipping, ports and logistics, will be vital to drive the digitalization of shipping, enhance its efficiency and sustainability, and therefore facilitating trade and fostering economic prosperity,” the ministry added.