-
Executives of seven ports in China, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea have signed a manifesto committing to protect the marine environment
-
The agreement promotes plans and programs that will lead to carbon-neutral ports with improved disaster preparedness and resilience
-
The Green Manifesto was signed on October 16 during the 23rd International Network of Affiliated Ports General Assembly and Symposium
-
The signing supports the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, and is in compliance with regulations of the International Maritime Organization on marine environmental protection
Executives of seven ports in China, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea have signed a manifesto committing to protect the marine environment.
The Green Manifesto was signed on October 16 during the 23rd International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP) General Assembly and Symposium in Subic Bay, Zambales, hosted by INAP member Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).
The manifesto promotes plans and programs that will lead to carbon-neutral ports with improved disaster preparedness and resilience.
The seven ports are the Ports of Cebu and Davao, Philippines; Port of Chittagong, Bangladesh; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Dangjin, South Korea; Mokpo, Korea; Kochi, Japan; Qingdao, China; and Tanjung Perak, Indonesia.
Signatories were Francisco Comendador III, general manager, Cebu Port Authority; Jia Fung, deputy general manager of SPG Qingdao Port Group Co. Ltd., Qingdao Port, China; Analee Aguila, port manager, Philippine Ports Authority-Port Management Office-Davao; Ali Sodokin, executive director 3, Region 3, PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero); Kazuhiko Yokochi, director general, Department of Public Works, Kochi Prefectural Government, Japan; Jong Koo Yeo, chief executive officer, Mokpo Newport Terminal Co., Ltd., South Korea; and Eduardo Jose Aliño, chairman and administrator, SBMA.
The signing of the Green Manifesto is in support of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, and is in compliance with policies and regulations of the International Maritime Organization on marine environmental protection.
Under the manifesto, INAP member ports should share best practices and expertise “to strengthen our collective initiative in developing resilient, sustainable, and green ports.”
The signing of the manifesto is in line with the theme of this year’s INAP conference, “Promoting Resiliency and Disaster Preparedness.” The annual two-day conference saw members sharing their best practices with respect to environmental protection and disaster preparedness.
For its part, SBMA shared emerging and green technologies that will help reduce carbon footprint and similar projects, whether completed or upcoming.
SBMA senior deputy administrator for operations Ronnie Yambao, in a speech during the conference, noted that P200 million has been earmarked next year for the acquisition of equipment for oil spill response and for the installation of a shore power connection facility in Subic Bay’s major ports.
SBMA’s Aliño earlier said SBMA aims to provide shore power connection to ships calling Subic port by 2025, as part of the authority’s is in line with SBMA’s program to make Subic Bay Freeport Zone the first carbon neutral economic zone in the country and in compliance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ship (MARPOL) Annex VI.
The project will require an estimated P100 million for its first phase while the second phase will require P150 million slated for 2026 to 2027. The first phase will be at Subic port’s container terminal while the second phase will be at the Naval Supply Depot and ship repair facility.
Aside from signing the Green Manifesto, a ceremonial tree planting of seven seedlings of Caballero trees was held on October 18 at Malawaan Park in Subic Bay to symbolize INAP’s commitment to fostering a connected, resilient, and sustainable maritime community.
Founded in 1998, INAP was formed to promote cooperation and information exchange among affiliated ports, enhancing the port network, integrating individual affiliates, exchanging information on port development, and strengthening economic and cultural relationships.
Its member ports currently include Cebu, Davao, and Subic in the Philippines; Chittagong port in Bangladesh; Colombo port in Sri Lanka; Dangjin and Mokpo ports in South Korea; Kochi port in Japan; Qingdao port in China; and Tanjung Perak port in Indonesia.