Dear editors and readers

At BIMCO, we believe collaboration across borders and industries is crucial to advancing shipping’s green transition while facilitating a global marketplace. After all, we are responsible for transporting around 90 percent of world trade.

Digitalisation and efficiency are becoming crucial elements in the maritime industry’s efforts to decarbonise, and we believe the use of digital technologies can significantly boost operational efficiency, resilience, sustainability and innovation. 

To support this agenda, BIMCO has been involved with several initiatives in close collaboration with organisations and industries within and outside of shipping. Last year, we submitted a paper to the IMO advocating for the development of a comprehensive strategy on maritime digitalisation. The aim of the paper was to exploit the potential of digitalisation, including efficiency, safety, and sustainability in ship design, ship operation and port call activities. The paper was submitted in cooperation with China, Liberia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the International Organization for Standardization.

Another example is our “25 by 25“ campaign. At its launch, the campaign committed major shippers in the bulk sector to use electronic bills of lading (eBLs) for at least 25% of their annual seaborne trade volume for one commodity by 2025. The four initial participating shippers were BHP, Rio Tinto, Vale and Anglo American and since they surpassed the target already within the first year of the campaign, our next step is to broaden it to include other bulk trades. We believe this achievement is a testament to the industry’s commitment to transformation. 

We are strong supporters of maximising energy efficiency gains across the global supply chain. Reducing emissions from shipping by improving energy efficiency, including minimisation of practices such as “sail fast then wait“ is necessary if we are to advance and secure a more sustainable shipping industry. It will take collaborative efforts and commitment from stakeholders throughout the community involved in shipping and beyond, including shipowners, shippers, charterers, cargo owners, energy providers, ports and terminals, fuel suppliers, shipyards and engine makers.

We believe BIMCO has a strong role to play in supporting our members as they navigate the green transition and new decarbonisation regulations. We will continue making the contracts and clauses needed and championing initiatives that foster collaboration and innovation.

Paul Pathy
BIMCO President
CEO & President of Fednav