From the Experts
UNCTAD recently published its report on key issues to shape shipping in the years to come
On 23 November,
UNCTAD published is longest standing annual report, the Review of Maritime Transport, marking 50 years since the release of its first ever report.
The publication reviews some of the major events that have marked maritime transport over the past few years, as well as issues that are likely to forge its future. It offers a forward-looking assessment of issues likely to shape shipping in the future and explores fresh directions in research and analysis, as well as examining the history of the Review of Maritime Transport over the past 50 years.
Seven eminent guest essayists, chosen for their expertise and roles in the maritime transport industry, have contributed with views to this report.
The fortunes of shipping are inextricably linked to the global economy, which, despite increasing political uncertainty, appears to be enjoying one of the best years of the past decade. The outlook for the next five years, therefore, appears to be positive for the main segments of the industry.
Peter Hinchliffe, former Secretary General, International Chamber of Shipping
Image courtesy of ITF
Significant transformation will also arrive in the shipping world very soon. The next 10 or 20 years will see as much change as we have experienced in the past 100 years. Thanks to the opportunities afforded by new technology, shipping is on the brink of a new era.
Kitack Lim, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization
Image courtesy of IMO
Looking ahead 50 years from now is, in many respects, a challenging task, given the rapid pace of evolution in our society. A complex mixture of geopolitical changes, commercial strategies, digitalization and automation, decarbonisation and professional development will shape the future of the port sector.
Patrick Verhoeven, Managing Director, International Association of Ports and Harbors
Image courtesy of IAPH
For the maritime sector, over the short term, new technologies such as automation, maritime safety and security concerns, including cybersecurity, as well as innovations in technology responding to marine environmental and climate change issues, will loom large on the maritime agenda and change the maritime industry as a whole.
Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President, World Maritime University (WMU)
Image courtesy of WMU
