Digitalisation, risk management and a focused approach to sustainable transition are key issues for South Asian ports, a new webinar has found.
In an IHS Markit Regional Webinar organised by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and the Indian Ports Association for South Asia , an expert panel examined key issues facing South Asian ports, with further input from the Port of Antwerp on approaching sustainable transition by applying the UN Sustainable Development Goals in practice.
Sudhir Kanvinde, executive director (IT) at the Indian Ports Association, gave a broad overview of digitalization in ports in South Asia. He emphasised the importance of integrating Port Community Systems as “every port needs to ensure it can be efficient and cost-effective” and highlighted the potential of the National Logistics Portal (NLP Marine) in gaining an integrated approach towards achieving those objectives.
Risk management
Upul Jayatissa, additional managing director, Sri Lanka Ports Authority gave an inciteful overview of how his organisation dealt with the COVID19 pandemic from a risk and resilience perspective. Deploying 14 day shifts with comprehensive testing as well as recruiting former colleagues, repatriated port workers from other countries and deploying temporary staff ensured continued operations during the various waves, with the Authority also publishing a Healthcare Strategic Framework guidance document containing standard operating procedures to follow during the pandemic.
Sustainable development
Claudia Mariconda, head of sustainable transition at the Port of Antwerp, explained the strategic approach the port is taking towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focussing on a selection with the ambition to achieve high levels of performance where the Goals were most relevant, and also selectively partnering with key stakeholders on a project-based approach towards accomplishing objectives in practice.
She cited the recent example of the recent study published by the Hydrogen Import coalition ( of which Port of Antwerp is member) on the viability of the import of renewable energy.
IAPH viewpoint
Dr Patrick Verhoeven, managing director of IAPH, commented: “This third regional webinar has already demonstrated a commonality in the challenges being faced by different ports in different parts of the world, namely the priority in enhancing risk and resilience to face current and future crises, the need to accelerate digitalization at the ship-shore interface to improve safety and efficiency throughout the maritime supply chain, and the very necessary focus on energy transition by ports in order to decarbonize to meet IMO targets and ambitions. IAPH’s focus is on these three areas and we encourage South Asian ports to join us to pool resources.”
