Steering Hong Kong Towards Sustainable Ports: Strategies for a Greener Future
Day 2 : 14:45 – 15:35
As global awareness of environmental challenges continues to grow, the maritime industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices for a greener future. Hong Kong, being a major international port hub, plays a crucial role in driving this transformation.
Ports face several pressing issues, including port congestion, climate and weather risks, environmental pressure, increasing competitiveness, and the need for rapid adoption of new technologies. Managing the transition to green fuels is of paramount importance, but digitalization also plays a vital role in verifying the use of these fuels.
Ports serve as vital nodes in the global supply chain, facilitating global trade. To ensure the resilience of the global supply chain, it has become evident that many challenges can be addressed through the implementation of smart port strategies. Some examples include:
- Reducing the environmental impact of idle ships via predictive technologies, the planning and scheduling of vessels’ arrivals to implement Just-In-Time Port Call standards.
- The use of big data / IoT to improve efficiency in system operations, ultimately saving costs.
- The integration of intelligent port infrastructure with smart sensors to allow the use of automated unmanned vehicles at ports, shore power to reduce emissions, intelligent lightning for energy efficiency and savings.
Learnings
- Which key components of smart ports development need to be prioritized?
- Is industry-wide collaboration among port operators possible or will ports develop in siloes?
- What role collaboration can play in digitalization?
- How to leverage 5G capabilities to enable digital port transformation?
- How does Hong Kong come into play? What are other examples of successful smart ports?
- How can the transition to green energy, through use of biodiesel, electrification and hydrogen, support ports reducing their carbon footprint?
Post-event Actions:
- Engage with fellow delegates to explore joint initiatives for sustainable port development.
- Promote policy changes that prioritize environmental stewardship within the maritime industry.
- Take inspiration from panel discussions to implement practical solutions in your own port operations.
Speakers
Moderator
Tabitha Logan
Director
Tabitha Logan
Director
Tabitha is Director of Projects at Cetus Maritime, a global handysize Owner and Operator controlling over 50 vessels. The project team handles ship sale and purchase, M&A matters, ESG, and digital transformation. In addition, she is one of the Directors of the Young Professionals in Shipping Network, a nonprofit organization with over 1000 members, promoting the maritime industry through networking events, educational seminars, workshops and sporting activities. In 2019 she co-founded The Captain’s Table, Hong Kong’s global pitch competition for startups in the maritime and logistics industry. Tabitha is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders to pioneer innovative solutions that advance sustainability, efficiency and responsibility across the maritime supply chain.
My Sustainability Goals for 2024:
Facilitate open and collaborative dialogue between the shipping industry and startups looking at decarbonization solutions. Set a good example to my children on sustainable behaviors and environmental awareness.
Roberto Giannetta
Chairman
Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association
Roberto Giannetta
Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association
Chairman
Roberto Giannetta has 35 years of service in the shipping industry. As Chairman of the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association, Roberto represents the interests of container liner principals on numerous industry and governmental organizations (including APEC Shipping Port Network Security, Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board, Article Number Association, and others) covering operational, safety, environmental, regulatory, trade, and policy matters vis-à-vis government and industry stakeholders. With a board of directors comprising CEO and MD level representatives from major shipping lines serving trades to/from Asia and the rest of the world, Roberto has a well-guided understanding of shipping liner needs, objectives, and environment.
Steven Jones
Founder
Seafarers Happiness Index
Steven Jones
Seafarers Happiness Index
Founder
Steven is a maritime expert with over thirty years experience, both at sea and ashore. The first part of his career was spent as a navigation officer, primarily on cable ships. While his career ashore spans marine fraud investigations, insurance, maritime security, and as a government advisor, providing a comprehensive view of the industry’s challenges and opportunities.
Passionate about seafarer welfare, Steven founded the Seafarers Happiness Index, a critical tool for measuring and improving crew well-being. This initiative gives voice to those at sea, facilitating the sharing of best practices and addressing industry-wide issues.
As an author, Steven has penned influential texts on maritime security, piracy, stowaways, and crime at sea. These works serve as essential resources for professionals, academics, and policymakers in the maritime sector.
In recent years, Steven has focused on sustainable shipping, collaborating with startups to develop innovative, environmentally friendly solutions. He’s actively involved in mentoring and consulting for companies tackling challenges in shipping efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Throughout his career, Steven has demonstrated a commitment to improving the maritime industry from multiple angles – operational excellence, security, crew welfare, and innovation. His diverse experience and engagement with emerging trends position him as a respected voice and thought leader in the evolving world of global shipping.
He is co-founder of Propeller Club Liverpool, a Trustee of the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
My Sustainability Goals for 2024:
- Just and Equitable Transition
- Ports Aligned with MLC
- Seafarer welfare and engagement
- Green Corridors