Over the next decade the 50 countries that border the Indian Ocean, one of the greatest seaborne trade routes of the world for oil, bulk freight and containers, are expected to show some of the world’s highest rates of economic growth.
Port development and trade in the region is central to achieving this goal. However, for this development to take place and to secure the large investments required, change is necessary to improve service levels, efficiency and competitiveness. Of equal importance is the ever-more pressing need for ports to demonstrate to customers, port area residents, stakeholders and investors that they are adopting sustainable practices to reduce emissions and to have a positive impact on the environment and community.
The GreenPort South Asia Conference, 20-22 March 2013, Mumbai, India, aims to be a catalyst in driving forward the green agenda in maritime ports and terminals across the South Asia region. A discussion entitled ‘ How will the European Union and United States of America regulations impact ports in South Asia ’ will start the programme and set the tone for the event of discussion, experience and knowledge sharing between ports and terminals from across the South Asia region and the rest of the world.
The European Sea Ports Organisation, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Adani Ports, KPMG India, JSW Infrastructure, Port Authority of Genoa, Sydney Ports Corporation and the Port of Moerdijk are just some of the companies that will be presenting.
The programme will follow a pathway that will first inform delegates on how to work towards sustainable development through policy, planning and finance implications and will then move on to controlling environmental aspects such as emissions, noise pollution, dredging impact and measuring and reducing the port’s carbon footprint. It will also cover innovation and technologies that will green the logistics chain and will give case studies from ports and terminals from across the region and the rest of the world that have implemented and are reporting on environmental and socio-economic programmes. The challenges of supplying renewable energy to ports will also be included.
The Conference has provoked wide spread interest from professionals from across the region, with delegates from India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Hong Kong looking to attend the event. In addition key personnel from ports and terminals from across Europe, USA, Australia and Brazil have also indicated their intention to attend.
With trade being an international business and with the green agenda increasingly at the forefront, professionals from all sectors of the port community should ensure GreenPort South Asia is in their calendar for 2013 as it will be a unique opportunity for the whole port community to not only meet to share valuable knowledge and practical experience but also, most importantly, for ports from across the world to strengthen trade relations with the key stakeholders across this region.
GreenPort focuses on the environmental aspects of ports and terminals and how this can balance with the reality of economic demands. The objective is to provide information for senior decision makers in ports and terminals as well as the complete logistics chain, shipping lines, shippers and other stakeholders. Over the past seven years, it has a proven record of providing a valued platform for discussion and networking for all parties involved.
[mappress]
Press Release, January 28, 2013