The International Maritime Organization (IMO) commissioned its Regional Presence Office (RPO) for the Pacific in Suva last week.
Speaking during the event, IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez said the opening of the office in Suva was a reminder that IMO and the Pacific Island nations were united in purpose.
“As one big maritime family working together towards a safer, more sustainable and inclusive global maritime community,” Mr Dominguez said.
“The opening of this office reflects that same spirit of commitment from IMO, from all its member states and our regional parliament, because with this, we strengthen maritime capacity cooperation and representation across the Pacific.
“For the Pacific Island nations, maritime transport is not just a mode of trade, it is a lifeline for your economies, your communities and your connectivity to the world.”
He said every ship that entered our ports represented food security, energy supplies, tourism and economic growth.
“As we enter a new era of decarbonisation and digitalisation, the shipping industry faces unprecedented change.
“This transition brings challenges, but also great opportunities, and these opportunities are what we want to work with all the Pacific nations to be at the forefront of the cleaner, smarter and more resilient maritime solutions.”
Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau highlighted the IMO Pacific Regional Presence Office would be providing an opportunity to address critical issues, including the challenge of providing an efficient inter-island shipping service, to ensure the safety of our Pacific people in inter-island shipping.
“As host of this regional office, Pacific member states will be assisted in addressing global standards for ships, and compliance issues related to energy efficiency, safety equipment and maintenance of safety systems according to IMO standards,” Ro Filipe said.