Italian Embassy in London Hosts Debate on Sustainable Shipping
London: The Italian Embassy in London hosted the first in a series of debates dedicated to sustainable shipping, focusing on promoting innovative practices to protect the oceans and build a more sustainable future. The event, organised by the Embassy’s Maritime Office and titled ‘Towards Sustainability: Greener Seas for a Better Tomorrow’, gathered leading experts from academia, industry, and international organisations to discuss this critical global issue.
According to Ansa News Agency, the debate featured speakers such as Professor Elda Belja from the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta and Professor Monica Canepa from the World Maritime University in Malm¶. They shared their insights on the role of alternative fuels, like biomethane and hydrogen, and highlighted the importance of advanced technologies to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The debate was moderated by Financial Times correspondent Claudia De Meulemeester.
In his opening speech, Italy’s Ambassador to London, Inigo Lambertini, stressed the importance of reducing the environmental impact of shipping through innovative solutions. Key themes included reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable management of ballast water, and combating plastic pollution. Lambertini praised the efforts of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in developing a global strategy to reduce emissions from the sector. He stated, “Today, more than ever, sustainability is not a choice, but a necessity. Shipping must evolve to reduce its environmental impact by adopting innovative solutions and responsible practices.”
The ambassador emphasized Italy’s commitment to contributing to this global effort by collaborating closely with the International Maritime Organisation to develop effective strategies for reducing emissions and protecting the oceans. He concluded by underscoring the need for collaboration between institutions, industry, and the scientific community to build a greener and safer future for the seas and future generations.