The International Mari­time Organisation (IMO) is taking significant steps towards achieving zero gas emis­sions from shipping and mitigat­ing its devastating effects on the maritime industry.

Through its IMO-Green Voy­age 2050 Programme, the global organisation aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping with focus on technical and economic feasibility studies, risk assessments, stake­holder engagement strategies and administrative support.

In line with this, the IMO, in collaboration with the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) and the Regional Maritime University (RMU), held a dialogue in Accra on Wednesday on the theme, "Opportunities in the Maritime Sector." The dialogue was aimed at ex­posing students and stakeholders to the opportunities within the project, and the need to mitigate environmental impacts and safe­guard the future of the maritime industry.

During her presentation, the IMO-Green Voyage 2050 Programme Manager, Ms Astrid Dispert, explained that the shipping industry was undergoing rapid changes and contributing significantly to the growth of global economies especially in the area of decarbonisation. "The shipping industry is go­ing through a major transforma­tion related to decarbonisation, which is bringing many opportu­nities, including economic growth and a skilled workforce, as there is a huge demand for personnel to support the process," she stated.