IMO SG: There will always be a demand for shipping

Efthymios Mitropoulos, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization appeared confident on Monday that despite the current global economic downturn there will always be a demand for shipping.
In an address to the Maritime Cyprus 2009 conference, Mitropoulos said that reduced demand in shipping was a natural consequence of the “worst financial crisis ever recorded,” adding that “no matter how global markets may contract, expand or otherwise metamorphose there will always be a demand for ships and shipping to be the delivery mechanism of global trade.”
“I have every confidence that the industry we serve will continue to respond to that demand effectively and efficiently, provided that it is not impeded by protectionist measures,” he said.
Mitropoulos emphasised that financial difficulties should not lead to a lowering of standards in shipping through cutting corners on skimping on key items such as maintenance, repair and training.
“Those who continue to provide their customers with a quality service throughout times of recession will be in a better position to prosper once the economic situation improves,” he pointed out.
The IMO chief also referred to piracy which “has escalated to epidemic proportions,” noting that despite the collective response to this phenomenon by governments, intergovernmental, regional and defence alliances, “it is imperative the shipping industry itself improves its own defences by taking all the recommended preventive, evasive and defensive measures.”
With regard to fleet officers shortage, which he called “a serious cause of concern,” Mitropoulos said that although the economic downturn may have altered the figures to a certain extend by reducing short-term demand for shipping services, the underlying problem still remains.
On emissions, Mitropoulos said that the IMO agreed to a package of measures that will put the IMO “in good stead” when the overall issue of climate change is reviewed by an international conference to convene in Copenhagen in December.
“But we line in, and share, the same planet and our responsibilities go beyond those we have within our borders. We should all, therefore, think globally and act globally,” he concluded.