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Asian
shipowners have criticised severely European countries for initiating
politically-inspired measures that have wide ramifications on Asian
interests.
The 12th Asian Shipowners Forum was held in Hong Kong recently attended by
93 delegates including the Malaysian Shipowners Association, said the
respective national associations should encourage their Governments to
coordinate opinion on maritime issues so as to provide an effective voice in
international debate.
Noting that Asia now controls and operates more than 40 percent of the
world's fleet, supplies the vast majority of its seafarers and builds most
of its ships, ASF said the industry in Asia deserves a higher profile for
their opinion in maritime affairs.
The ASF deplored the "sometimes ill thought out and politically inspired
regional and unilateral regulation" which "is becoming more and more
'premature' in nature, whether it is technical or legal, as the speed of its
introduction does not allow for the proper development and testing of
potential solutions".
On security issues, the ASF encouraged all owners and port authorities to
implement the ISPS code as soon as possible.
The ASF encouraged all Asian shipowners and port authorities to implement
the ISPS code as soon as possible and prior to the enforcement date.
The delegates were, at the same time, concerned with the financial impact
caused by this and additional or enhanced security measures, including those
imposed on seafarers at certain terminals and ports.
On the issue of seafarers' identity documents, the Asian shipowners body
applauded the speed of the development and adoption of the Seafarers
Identity Documents Convention (Revised) 2003 (C185) by the ILO but noted
that there are serious doubts as to whether the new document will be
accepted by the United States as sufficient proof of identification to
facilitate shore leave and transit.
However, the longstanding problem of cargo imbalance between east and
westbound trades and its adverse economic effects was also noted.
With regard to the dry bulk sector, it was noted that the market had been
stable recently, but the tanker sector should deserve a more favourable
market.
The Asian Shipowners Forum consists of 12 Shipowners' Associations in the
Asian region, being those from Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong,
Japan, Korea and the Federation of ASEAN Shipowners Associations (FASA),
which are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and
Vietnam. |
