The Ghana Shippers Awards is advocating for an industry alignment to sustain the Maritime and Shipping Industry in the face of challenging climate change.
It noted that industry alignment towards climate change was critical in enhancing operational efficiency and reducing environmental emissions that can build a resilient industry for a sustainable future.
At panel discussion initiated by the African Women and Children’s Conference (AFRIWOCC), to kick-start this year’s awards ceremony held at the Labadi Beach Hotel last Friday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Kwesi Baffour Sarpong said industry alignment was not just an option, but a necessity for the future.
Global sustainability
Speaking on the theme ‘Sustaining the Maritime and Shipping Landscape in an Era of Climate Change’, Mr. Sarpong stressed the need to align with global sustainability efforts on a continuous basis to remain relevant.
He said while the evolution of the maritime and shipping industry has been nothing short of remarkable, it was apt to reflect on the past, and also anticipate better times and outcomes.
He indicated that the shipping industry had a crucial role to play in the climate change transition by embracing sustainable practices from reducing carbon emissions to enhancing efficiency in transport and logistics.
Mr. Sarpong who revealed that GSA was amending its Establishment Law to enhance its potency as the regulator of the commercial shipping sector and also equip it to better serve and address contemporary issues of concern to industry players said, there was a need to collaborate and innovate to uphold the highest standards of environmental stewardship. “We would not only protect our planet but would also ensure the longevity and prosperity of our industry,” he said.
Climate change
Bemoaning the impact of climate change on the industry as well as women and children who bear the brunt of the impact of climate change, Second Lady, Samira Bawumia said, the maritime and shipping faced significant threats; from rising sea levels to coastal erosion, which were negatively affecting infrastructure, including ports and shipyards, as well as the disruption of several shipping routes resulting in substantial investments in adaptation measures such as seawalls and elevated infrastructure.
Noting the role of the maritime and shipping industry in the climate crisis, she said the situation required urgent solutions, adding that the industry was uniquely positioned to lead the charge.
Mrs. Bawumia who stated that a report by the World Economic Forum cited the shipping and maritime industry for contributing about three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions each year said, the industry must adopt policies that do not only ensure the viability of their operations but also protect the environment and support communities that depend on maritime activities.
She said while electric and hybrid vessels are gaining traction as viable alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-powered ships, technologies such as wind-assisted propulsion, can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Advocating for the improvement of port infrastructure to accommodate green technologies and practices, she said implementing energy-efficient logistics and optimizing shipping routes through advanced analytics can also further contribute to reducing the sector’s environmental impact.
For his part, Latif B. Abubakar, CEO of Globe Productions Limited, organizers of the Ghana Shippers Awards said, aligning to global sustainability practices address changes that pertained to the industry was the way to go, noting that climate change challenges were rapidly catching up with the sector.
He said beyond recognizing achievements, the event also sought to proffer compelling solutions to climate change challenges in the sector.
Awards
In all, a total of 49 individuals and organizations were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the maritime and shipping industry. Nick Danso Adjei, CEO, Ghana Link Network Services Limited (Ltd); and the CEO of McDan Shipping Company, Daniel Mckorley, were adjudged the Entrepreneur and CEO of the year respectively; with the Female CEO of the year award going to Osafohene Dr. Afua Asabea Asare I, CEO, Ghana Export Promotion Authority.
Dr. Jacob Gbati, CEO of Global Cargo & Commodities Ltd picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award while MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company Ltd emerged as the Shipping Line of the year.
The Trade Facilitation Organization award was jointly won by Ghana Export Promotion Authority, and Burkina Faso Chamber Of Commerce and Industry, while the Best Growing Company award went to Aviance Ghana Ltd.
Partnership
Dubbed ‘The Climate Change Edition’, the event was organized in partnership with the United Nations (UN), Ghana Shippers Authority, and the Africa Women and Children Conference initiatives, with support from the Ministry of Transport, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and the Graphic Communications Group Limited.
