Release Date: Thursday 27 January 2005
The application of ‘sustainable development’ to many industries, economies and communities around the world has led to many definitions of what the phrase and ‘sustainability’ mean. There has, however, been little work applying sustainable development - merging social, economic and environmental needs - to the international shipping industry as a whole.
In order to maintain the shipping industry's position as a key contributor to the world's expanding economies, and as the provider of 85% of the worlds transport needs, it is essential that the industry meets the challenges and opportunities that sustainable development presents in the future.
The forthcoming ‘Sustainable Shipping ….. Progress in a Changing World’ international conference being held in the heart of the City of London on 1 st and 2 nd February and featuring keynote addresses by David Jamieson MP, the UK’s Minister for Shipping; and Efthimios Mitropoulos, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization will bring together a wide range of maritime stakeholders to understand these challenges.
“It aims also to identify and share current best practice and learn from other industries; and discuss the key issues which will enable industry to meet future customer demands and public expectations, and provide an opportunity to shape and build appropriate strategies for sustainable shipping,” explains Keith Read CBE, Director General of The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), who are organising the two-day event with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Aptly, the international conference takes place at the City Conference Centre at 80 Coleman Street, London, EC2 – the headquarters of the IMarEST.
“With sessions on sustainability – the concepts and objectives; sustainability – industry initiatives and vision; sustainability – utilising tools; and sustainability – towards technology development, the two day event brings together 25 leading experts from business, academia and other relevant organisations,” he adds. “They come from the EU, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and USA as well as from all over the UK. It is going to be a truly fascinating two days – I can think of few events that I have looked forward to with such eager anticipation.”
Online registration is open at www.imarest.org and further information is available on the website or from Jacqueline Smith, Events Organiser, IMarEST, 80 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5BJ, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 7382 2615; Fax: +44 (0)20 7382 2667. Email: jacqueline.smith@imarest.org.
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Further information on the IMarEST can be obtained from contacting us or on www.imarest.org/news
