In celebrating the 160th anniversary of the port, YMF 2019 provides a platform to initiate discussions and inspire ideas among the world’s industries, with a focus on sustainability, diversity and harmonisation of port and maritime industries which are critical components of our global future.

Required implementation of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2020 Global Sulphur Cap, which will limit Sulphur pollution from ships to 0.5% of mass from January 1, 2020, is rapidly approaching. IMO has also called for member states, and the wider maritime industry including ports, to increase their efforts to achieve the ambitious targets, adopted by the IMO in 2018, to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping. The strategy commits to an eventual complete phase-out of GHG emissions from vessels, and at least a 50% reduction in emissions by 2050.

Despina Panayiotou Theodossiou in a panel with Kathi Stanzel, Guy Platten, Sakura Kuma and Akiko Yoshida

Environmental challenges to our industry are unprecedented. Maintaining sustainability and achieving decarbonization is a critical global challenge. Key solutions include technology innovations that reduce both emissions and costs. Solutions include the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), Environmental Ship Index(ESI) as well as the need for global standardization and harmonization of data.

Vessel emissions are not the only challenge, pollution of our oceans, a critical natural resource, are primarily generated from land based activities including manufacturing, lifestyle related behaviors or natural disasters. Garbage in the ocean, plastic among the worst, and its impact to the global Eco-system is a shared-responsibility of our global society that requires urgent attention.

Diversity, which encompasses many aspects, is also a critical 21st century challenge. Achieving equal rights and opportunities for all humankind is a complex challenge. While much progress has been made on this issue, it is far from fully resolved. In recognition and support of the importance of this issue, and its impact on our future as a global society, “diversity” is a core theme of YMF2019.

One significant step in addressing environmental challenges, one that we can start immediately, is to promote LNG as a more environmentally-friendly marine fuel. In addition to reduced emissions this step also increasingly possesses a currency value as major global brands and beneficial cargo owners demand cleaner and sustainable logistics chains.

Harmonisation is essential to success. It is critical between port and maritime industries, the Eco-system of both land and sea and to finally achieving true diversity. In the maritime industry, harmonization of technology innovation, commercial demands and global commitment to sustainability can provide the future our next generations deserve.

The focus of YMF2019 is to challenge the maritime industry to identify and discuss solutions to the global challenges of the 21st century. By inviting highly respected representatives from the maritime industry including vessel owners and operators, port entities, maritime support services, LNG stakeholders, industrial associations, scholars and regulatory groups. YMF2019 will provide a platform to facilitate discussions that encompass the various aspects of the industry.

YMF2019 is organised by YKIP, endorsed by numerous authorities, organizations and companies. We are driven by enthusiasm and vision to provide an opportunity for the maritime industry to realize positive and actionable results. YMF 2019 is not a profit based event however we do rely on sponsorships and nominal registration fees to offset costs and assist in providing a positive, enjoyable and innovative experience for all attendees.