Indonesia Pushes for Enhanced Maritime Safety at IMO Council in London

RAKYAT NEWS– The Indonesian delegation, through the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub), emphasized the importance of maritime safety interventions at the 132nd session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council held in London, England.

“On the fourth day of the IMO Council 132 session at IMO Headquarters in London, Thursday (11/7), the Indonesian delegation delivered several interventions related to maritime safety,” said Director of Shipping and Maritime Affairs at Kemenhub, Hendri Ginting, in a statement on Friday.

Ginting expressed appreciation to the IMO Secretary-General for updates on the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) review and data management projects.

“In this context, Indonesia emphasized that the alignment of GISIS improvements with the ongoing development of the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code should be considered,” Ginting stated.

He explained that there are two main areas where alignment can be achieved. First, regarding the modules under GISIS.

Indonesia views the ongoing development of the MASS Code as a positive step for the operation of autonomous ships.

“Therefore, we believe the GISIS modules, particularly the Maritime Casualties and Incident Module, can be strengthened by incorporating data from MASS ships, thus providing a better understanding of incidents involving autonomous ships,” he added.

Second, the implementation of the Maritime Single Window (MSW) and MASS. Ginting said Indonesia believes that MSW in GISIS can significantly enhance port clearance for cargo ships using the MASS system.

For optimal integration, adjustments to certificates and documentation for such ships may be necessary.

“Indonesia believes that aligning GISIS development with the MASS Code can develop future systems that support the safe and efficient operation of autonomous ships,” Ginting concluded.

Furthermore, as one of the co-sponsors of Document C132/15 Protection of Vital Shipping Lanes, Development in the Co-operative Mechanism for the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, Indonesia, along with other coastal countries, namely Singapore and Malaysia, expressed gratitude to all donors and contributors who continue to support efforts to improve navigation safety and protect the maritime environment in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

“Contributions ensure that the Straits of Malacca remain open, safe, and sustainable for international shipping,” Ginting stated at the meeting.

On behalf of the Indonesian government, Ginting also invited user countries, donors, and related stakeholders to join and attend the 15th Cooperation Forum (CF) and the 47th Tripartite Technical Experts Group (TTEG) meeting, which will be held in Bali from October 21-25, 2024.

“These meetings provide us with an excellent opportunity to discuss progress in shipping navigation safety and marine environmental protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore in a conducive and friendly environment,” Ginting said. (Uki Ruknuddin)