Asian owners commit to ‘greener shipping’

DAVID HUGHES

LAST week, the body representing shipowners from Asia reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the environment. At the Asian Shipowners’ Association’s (ASA) 31st annual general meeting held online, Kim Young Moo, executive vice-chairman of Korea Shipowners’ Association (KSA), said: “ASA confirmed that we would be moving towards greener shipping.”

Being environment friendly is one of several challenges faced by the shipping industry worldwide. While the Asian ship-owning community also discussed that issue at the meeting, it also has a more immediate pressing concern. ASA said in a statement: “Seafarers are the essential human resources of the shipping industry. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has left seafarers in a vulnerable position. Seafarers’ welfare and well-being are always our at most concern. ASA urges the world administrations and stakeholders of the shipping industry to take measures to ensure seafarers’ welfare and well-being under the MLC 2006, thereby attracting and retaining seafarers to remain in the industry. They are working in the front line of the global supply chain.”