IAPH Insider 25, July 2024

This edition covers:

 

This week’s Insider highlight with Patrick Verhoeven

 

 

#IAPH2024 Sustainability Awards longlist revealed

With more than 70 candidate projects to assess, the jury for the IAPH 2024 Sustainability Awards faces a busy summer! Eligible projects – submitted by over 50 different member ports, along with their partners and associate members – have been uploaded to the World Ports Sustainability (WPSP) project database. The database will now reach a total of more than 400 best practices by global ports, which integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals into their businesses. You can also view the eligible projects on our dedicated page on the World Ports Conference site and via the dedicated WPSP LinkedIn channel. Based on the jury’s verdict, the top three finalist projects for the six categories will be announced by the end of August. Following this, the public will be asked to vote for their favourite projects for each category on the WPSP website. The initial jury assessment (70%) and the outcome of the public voting (30%) will co-determine the six final winners to be announced at the gala awards dinner of the IAPH 2024 World Ports Conference on 9 October.

 

 

A packed Ports & Harbors for July-August

Eranda Kotelawala is our cover story interview for the latest edition of Ports & Harbors. The chief executive officer at Solomon Islands Ports Authority speaks with IAPH managing director Patrick Verhoeven about the challenges facing ports in the South Pacific, including climate change. Eranda outlines some of the practical issues of raising port infrastructure in response to elevated sea levels and the need to adopt cleaner energy solutions to offset the use of traditional thermal fuels. P&H editor Martin Clark also speaks with Deepak Sachdeva, the new head of global ports at steel giant ArcelorMittal, one of IAPH’s newest associate members. The regional focus is on Brazil, particularly on planned developments at Port of Santos, already Latin America’s busiest container hub. Plus there is a detailed look at the growth in smart containers as a means to improve transparency in the supply chain. We also examine the energy trends that are shaping port sector development, from the anticipated surge in electrification and associated demand for more power, to the emergence of alternative fuels. This includes a look at how nuclear power could present a potential solution. The IMO’s new Future Fuels web portal, featured in this issue, offers an excellent resource to learn more about these developments. Finally, there is also information from the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network on ways to foster good governance and build port integrity to counter corruption and other risks.
 

 
 

#IAPH2024: book now before prices rise

With travel and accommodation costs likely to rise after the Northern Hemisphere summer break, now is the ideal time to register for the IAPH World Ports Conference 2024 and lock in cheaper rates for flights and hotels. Held 8-10 October in Hamburg, #IAPH2024 will bring together leading port professionals and stakeholders for learning, information sharing, networking and collaboration. The conference has a packed agenda and an impressive list of expert speakers. So far 250 delegates have already registered for the event and you can find a full list of registered companies and organisations here. Why not join hundreds of maritime, shipping and port professionals in Germany for this world-class in-person event? Information on venues and accommodation can be found here.

 

 

Your input needed on OPS standard for bulk carriers

Since December 2023, an industry expert group consisting of shipowner, port and terminal representatives has been discussing the development of an onshore power (OPS) standard for dry bulk carriers. The industry group was initiated by DNV GL with the objective of providing a set of general requirements for a shore power supply system for bulk carriers to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The IEC would then further detail these in a new ship-specific annex for bulk carriers in IEC/IEEE 80005-series. The decision over the location of the cable management system (CMS), which can be on shore or onboard the ship, is the most challenging topic in the group’s discussion. Shipowners want the CMS to be located onshore, arguing that this will make more economic sense given that the number of ships outranks the number of berths. They further argue that this is the case for all existing OPS standards, with the exception of container vessels. Ports and bulk terminals argue that the cost of installing CMS-dedicated cranes in ports to reach the sockets onboard (which can be very high up on bulk carriers) is very significant and should be factored in. They also point at the major operational challenges involved in positioning the CMS onshore, including the dusty environment, which will have a deteriorating effect on any moving equipment. Due to the determination shown to date by the shipowners’ representatives, the prevailing opinion leans towards positioning the CMS onshore. As decisions in the industry group are taken by consensus, there is still an opportunity for ports and terminals to substantiate the sector’s arguments. This is why IAPH has teamed up with the International Dry Bulk Terminals Group, calling upon dry bulk ports and terminal operators to provide factual and detailed input on why the CMS should be installed onboard ships, similar to container vessels. Any line of argument supported by evidence would be very welcome, and necessary for the sector to alter a decision that may have important implications for (bulk) ports and terminals in the future. Please send your comments to our technical director Antonis Michail.

 

Image credit: Port of LA

 

IAPH CEC prepares IMO GHG submissions

Members of the IAPH Climate and Energy Committee (CEC) met online on 8 July. The agenda featured a discussion on two submissions that IAPH is preparing ahead of the IMO GHG meetings this September, including the 82th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82). Members approved the approach for a submission on the IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and its relation to the new GHG module of the IAPH Environmental Ship Index (ESI). While it is the intention for ESI to remain as close as possible to IMO standards, the submission indicates that at this stage it is premature to include the CII as part of the ESI GHG formula, given the former’s present shortcomings. The second submission will relay the findings of a study that IAPH commissioned on energy-transition-related investment needs for ports in developing countries. Indra Vonk (MTBS) presented and discussed the approach and initial outcomes of the study, highlighting the case study of Kenya. Other case studies include Brazil, India, Indonesia and Solomon Islands. The summarised outcomes of the study will be submitted to IMO MEPC 82, reinforcing previous IAPH contributions to the debate on the use of revenues generated through an IMO economic measure. The IAPH Climate and Energy Committee also reviewed the ongoing work on an onshore power standard for bulk carriers (see article above) and members were updated on the development of the Port Readiness Level tool for clean Marine Fuels (PRL-MF) as well as the integration of the World Ports Climate Action Program (WPCAP) into IAPH.

 

IAPH DCC discusses cyber and supply chain resilience

Members of the IAPH Data Collaboration Committee (DCC) met online on 2 July. The meeting started with a presentation by Jens Munch Lund-Nielsen of the IOTA Foundation on the Trade Logistics Information Pipeline (TILP), which is a digital collaborative infrastructure based on open source technology for global trade. It enables data to be transmitted directly from its source with no third-party involvement and shared seamlessly, securely and connected to port digital infrastructure such as Maritime Single Windows and Port Community Systems. Applications in Kenya and the UK were presented. Members then discussed the current two priorities of the committee: cybersecurity and supply chain resilience. On cybersecurity, IAPH is preparing a submission for next year’s IMO FAL Committee (FAL 49) proposing an amendment to the FAL Convention to introduce a mandatory cyber requirement for the Maritime Single Window, as well as a draft model law on cybersecurity. The Committee also considered the need to revise IAPH’s own cybersecurity guidelines. There was consensus that revisions should be made, as technology and cybercrime practices are changing. The Committee’s dedicated cybersecurity working group will meet at the beginning of September to identify what kind of changes should be made, ranging from specific modifications to a full-blown revision of the guidelines. On the topic of supply chain resilience, members were provided with an update on the work of the dedicated task force, which is working on a resilient and predictable supply chain standard for beneficial cargo owners, and on vessel journey and just-in-time port calls, focusing on data-quality improvement and terminal standardisation.

 

IAPH RRC discusses illicit trade and corruption

Members of the IAPH Risk and Resilience Committee (RRC) met online on 5 July. The meeting began with an update from Chris Trelawny from InterPortPolice and Jakob Larson of BIMCO on the current status of the IMO ‘Guidelines for the prevention and suppression of the smuggling of drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals on ships engaged in international maritime traffic’. Following approval at the most recent IMO Facilitation Committee meeting (FAL 48) to amend these guidelines, the speakers highlighted the opportunity and need to develop practical and easy-to-use guidance for all stakeholders across the port community, and called for ports to provide their input to the process. As a next step, IAPH invites member ports to provide their remarks on how these guidelines could best be amended to support their interests, as well as to submit best practice examples of handling cases of illicit trade from their ports. On maritime anti-corruption, Martin Benderson from the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) introduced a new report on the socio-economic costs of maritime corruption in Nigeria, and the 10-step guidance documents containing actions that ports can take to help combat corruption in vessel clearance, as part of the ongoing collaboration with IAPH. The Committee noted with interest the work being carried out by MACN to increase information sharing and cooperation between ports and shipping to better identify and tackle cases of corruption. Members then discussed ways to take this item forward, starting with the sharing of port initiatives and case studies with IAPH and MACN to showcase the positive collective action taking place globally.

 

Combatting cyber-attacks – #IAPH2024 webinars, 10-11 September

How ports combat inevitable cyber-attacks – #IAPH2024 webinars 10-11 September
Two special webinars, one at 0930 CET on 10 September and another at 1700 CET on 11 September are being organised ahead of the #IAPH2024 World Ports Conference, where this topic will be a key resilience theme. Following the IAPH Harbor Café format, Hamburg Port Authority’s Ingrid Boque and IAPH’s Victor Shieh will be discussing with specialised solution providers who help prevent cyber-attacks and provide ports with crisis-management support if attacked. The aim is for attendees to learn how ports can identify gaps in their defences, ensure that appropriate training is in place and create genuinely effective cybersecurity drills. IAPH member ports from across the world’s regions will also be sharing their experiences. Attendees will also get an update on the latest IMO regulatory developments in cyber-security management. To register your interest, please email Fabienne Van Loo.

 

 

More incentive providers join ESI

The latest scores of the IAPH Environmental Ship Index (ESI) were published on 1 July. The number of vessels with an ESI score above 20 is at 4,737, whereas the total number of vessels in the ESI database is at 6,425. The average ESI score again increased slightly to 32.7. The number of incentive providers has increased and now stands at 81. Is your port ready to join ESI? If so, find out more on the ESI website or contact IAPH’s ESI liaison, Takeshi Suzuki.

 

 

Interoperability intervention at UN/CEFACT summit

An IAPH delegation participated in the UN/CEFACT annual forum and plenary in July. The event was held during UNECE’s Sustainable and Digital Trade Facilitation Week at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, from 8-12 July. The UN/CEFACT forum and plenary saw insightful learning events organised by the UN/CEFACT expert community, as well as high-level and technical discussions on digital connectivity and sustainable value chains. IAPH Data Collaboration Committee chairman Pascal Ollivier and Supply Chain Resilience Task Force co-chair Paul Walter of the Port of Rotterdam, both spoke at the event. They introduced the need to collaborate with UN/CEFACT to develop a global standard for a process to access operational planning data in logistics hubs, which would be achieved through an approach to federated interoperability. IAPH will seek to prepare and submit a formal proposal to UN/CEFACT in the coming weeks, once reviewed by the Supply Chain Resilience Task Force.

 

 

IADC partners with PIANC on Vietnam conference

IAPH associate member IADC and PIANC are planning a two-day conference, ‘Integrating Dredging in Sustainable Development’ in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam on 17 and 18 October. The conference aims to inform participants about the main elements of sustainable waterborne transport infrastructure and dredging. The conference will offer essential knowledge for planners, designers, decision makers, regulators, contractors, project owners and environmental advocates, and will focus on two case studies – a ‘greenfield case’ and a ‘brownfield case’. For more information about the programme, the speakers, the case studies, how to register and the registration fee, please visit the dedicated conference site. You can also download the special IAPH flyer for the event here.

 

 

Welcome to Copenhagen-Malmö and Gladstone ports

IAPH is pleased to announce two new regular members: Copenhagen and Malmö Port (CMP) has joined the IAPH as a regular member. In 2000, the Öresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden opened. One year later, in 2001, the Ports of Copenhagen and Malmö merged to form CMP, one of Scandinavia’s largest port operators and a full-service port in the Öresund region. CMP receives various goods and has an infrastructure customised for all types of vessels. Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) has also joined the IAPH as a regular member. GPC manages and operates four port precincts including the Port of Gladstone, the Gladstone Marina and its recreational parklands as well as the Port of Rockhampton, Port of Bundaberg and the Port of Maryborough. GPC conducts the functions of a landlord ports corporation and owns and operates cargo handling facilities within the Port of Gladstone, including one of the world’s largest coal export terminals, RG Tanna Coal Terminal.

 

 

Insider takes a summer holiday

This is the final edition of the IAPH Insider newsletter before the summer break for those nations in the northern hemisphere. The next edition will appear in your inboxes on Thursday 5 September. We wish those readers who are also taking a break in August a very pleasant rest. We’ll see you again in six weeks!

 

 

The Elbstrand, Hamburg. Source: Deutsche Presse Agentur

 

Member Port News

You can find the latest overview of news from IAPH member ports on the dedicated Member Ports News page on our website.

 

World Maritime News

These maritime news stories made the headlines over the past two weeks:

  • FMC wants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd to provide more details on the Gemini alliance
  • Container carriers to shoulder bulk of Europe fuel intensity rule
  • IMO carbon levy at $150-$300 would result in least GDP impact on global economy
  • How expensive is green methanol?
  • Ocean Network Express boosts methanol containership orderbook as it declares options
  • Ammonia slip risks must be addressed before switch to new fuels, new paper says
  • MOL to invest in UK start-up for engine fuel-efficiency technology
  • IMO Council to livestream meetings

For details of each story, please visit the World Maritime News section on our website.

 

Calendar of Events

IAPH events and events where IAPH is represented

  • 22 August – The Global Port Conference – Kristiansand
  • 10 September – IAPH Clean Marine Fuels Working Group – online
  • 10-11 September #IAPH2024 cyber webinars
  • 23-27 September – IMO Intersessional GHG Working Group (ISWG GHG 17) – London
  • 30 September-4 October – IMO Marine Env. Protection Cttee (MEPC 82) – London
  • 7 October – IAPH Board and Council meetings – Hamburg
  • 8-10 October – IAPH World Ports Conference – Hamburg
  • 10 October – IAPH Annual General Meeting – Hamburg
  • 23-25 October – GreenPort Congress & Cruise – Le Havre
  • 29-31 October – Ports Australia Biennial Conference – Hobart
  • 5-6 November – SmartPorts – Barcelona
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