Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said the Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference brings together leaders of maritime industries, major companies and international organizations, to discuss investment opportunities in the sector.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Jasser noted that representatives of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) presented at the event an opportunity for partnership with the private sector in maritime industries and the transportation and logistics services industry.
The Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference (SMIC) kicked off in Jeddah on Monday in the presence of Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Kitack Lim, a number of ministers of transport and infrastructure, senior officials and heads of leading companies from 170 countries.
According to Al-Jasser, the conference brings together maritime industry leaders, major companies and international organizations to discuss the means to develop maritime transport industries and environmental practices.
The minister noted that the first day of the conference witnessed the signing of four agreements, including two deals related to training and developing national competencies in the marine industry.
As part of its efforts to enhance common ground for understanding maritime law and developing a sustainable maritime industry, the Kingdom announced support for the IMO International Maritime Law Institute, to enhance maritime education and training.
The maritime industries are witnessing a huge shift towards innovation, driven by tremendous opportunities and increased efficiency, safety and sustainability. The global marine vessel market is projected to reach $188.57 billion by 2028, while more than 80 percent of internationally traded goods are shipped by the sea.
In his opening speech, Al-Jasser said the Kingdom made significant contributions within the Saudi Green Initiative to reduce land degradation on a global scale.
He also pointed to major Saudi achievements in the maritime industry sector and logistical operations, noting the Kingdom jumped 17 places in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI), and currently ranked 16th among the 100 largest ports in the world in terms of container handling.
The Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference saw the signing of a tripartite agreement that will facilitate the integration of autonomous ships into the country’s maritime system.
The agreement, signed by the Transport General Authority, ABS and Zamil Marine Company, aims to review the development of regulations, technical standards and practices for the construction, operation and maintenance of autonomous vessels.
