Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC) Officials, led by CEO Mr. Gerardo Borromeo, participated in a dynamic dialogue that focused on exploring potential opportunities and seeking viable solutions for the green transition in the shipping industry. This took place during the Asia-Pacific regional conference, organized by the Philippines in collaboration with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Danish Maritime Authority, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), from May 16 to 17, 2023.
The conference was graced by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, who urged member states to combat climate change by unlocking opportunities in green shipping and decarbonization. Recognizing the significance of ensuring a smooth transition for the future of shipping, he emphasized the numerous opportunities available for countries to participate in the new "green" future.
Accompanying Mr. Borromeo were MGEN Restituto Padilla Jr., Executive Director for Corporate Public Policy, Risks, and Sustainability at PTCH; Ms. Beng Cristobal, PTC COO; and Ms. Karen Avelino, Executive Director for Business Development and SVP for Cruise Operations.
With the theme "Seizing opportunities for green shipping in Asia and the Pacific," the conference provided a valuable platform for government leaders, policymakers, and maritime stakeholders to engage in insightful discussions regarding regional perspectives on the ongoing negotiations of the IMO Strategy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships and establishing a regulatory framework.
In 2018, the IMO introduced an initial strategy to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping. This strategy set ambitious targets, with the primary objective of achieving a significant reduction of at least 50% in total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by 2050, compared to the emissions recorded in 2008. A revised strategy is in progress and is expected to be adopted in 2023.
Mr. Borromeo was also invited to participate in the panel discussion on "Green Jobs and Skills Development of Seafarers," which was moderated by Martha Selwyn from the United Nations (UN) Global Compact. This session aimed to shed light on the concept of a "Just Transition," emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the workforce reliant on traditional shipping practices is not left behind in the process.
During the engaging discussion, Mr. Borromeo underscored the significance of reskilling and upskilling the existing workforce in preparation for the green transition, especially the Global Maritime Professionals (GMPs) both at sea and onshore. Moreover, he emphasized the equal importance of nurturing the growth of future talent by enhancing STEM-based education at multiple academic levels, spanning from colleges and high schools to even elementary schools.
“We need to build a continuous learning environment that will allow competencies to develop as the future of work evolves. This means creating pipelines that will enable future seafarers to go beyond being able-bodied to able-skilled,” he said.
Furthermore, Mr. Borromeo stressed the adoption of a technology-oriented approach within the education system, with the primary objective of proactively mitigating potential skills gaps that may emerge in the future. By recognizing and addressing these critical aspects, he said that the maritime industry could establish a harmonious balance between sustainable practices and the welfare of its workforce.
The participation of PTC in the conference reflects our commitment to shaping the future of shipping. By actively collaborating with key industry players and organizations, we strive to advocate for a Just Transition for our GMPs and foster sustainable shipping practices, not only in the Asia-Pacific region but on a global scale as well.
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