International Registries Inc which provides support to the Marshall Islands Registry is prepared to back a variety of options and solutions throughout the transition to the IMO 2050 greenhouse gas targets, says Theo K Xenakoudis, chief commercial officer and managing director of the Piraeus office of IRI. In an exclusive interview with AllAboutShipping, Mr Xenakoudis said IRI has made significant investments to hire technical experts in advanced technologies and alternative energy, developing teams such as its renewables and gas teams which engage in joint industry projects to evaluate emerging technologies. Mr Xenakoudis warns that significant questions remain related to AI and to autonomous vessels, including legal and liability matters, and these need to be answered before such technology can be implemented. RMI is at the forefront of the development of international MASS requirements and other related initiatives at IMO.
1. How is IRI responding to the complex issues for shipowners in choosing which fuel options to back, and how are you encouraging owners to achieve satisfactory pathways to meet the fuel cut-off deadline of 2050?
The path to achieving the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) targets will look different for each owner and operator – there will be no one-size fits all approach to decarbonization. Therefore, the complexities and challenges involved in meeting the 2050 target differ for each client. International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI), which provide administrative and technical support to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry, is prepared to support a variety of options and impactful solutions throughout the transition. First, RMI actively participates in the international rule making processes with the goal of achieving meaningful standards and providing clarity to shipowners making decisions on future compliance scenarios. Secondly, IRI has made significant investments over the last decade to hire and retain technical team members with experience, knowledge, and expertise in advanced technologies and alternative energies. This has led to the development of specialty technical teams such as the Renewables and Gas Teams. These teams, which include team members worldwide, engage on joint industry projects and collaborative efforts to evaluate emerging technologies such as wind assist propulsion, renewable fuel sources, low-friction coatings, and alternative low flashpoint fuels. This allows RMI owners/operators to have informed, technical flag support at every step in the process, from decision-making to implementation.
2. What support are you giving to shipowners in face of the increased interest in vessel autonomy and AI-driven strategies?
Shipping is an innovative industry and one that is always looking to improve. Vessel autonomy and AI-driven strategies are interesting discussion topics, but right now there are a number of significant questions related to AI and autonomous vessels, including legal and liability questions, that need to be answered before such technology can be implemented. Additionally, the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) framework is still under development at IMO, and not yet at a stage of maturity for utilization. However, RMI is actively involved in assessing this technology for the future. RMI is at the forefront of the development of international MASS requirements and other related initiatives at IMO and is coordinating much of this work through a correspondence group under the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC). RMI representatives are also chairing the working groups established at the MSC and Facilitation Committee meeting sessions.
Undoubtably there will continue to be much discussion and interest in vessel autonomy and AI-driven strategies, but for the moment we see decarbonization as the primary and more pressing concern of our owners and operators.
3. Some ports have advanced digital set-ups in place, while others still rely heavily on old-style paperwork. How can shipowners and crew be helped to deal efficiently with all systems?
The industry continues to digitize and generally progress toward a digital world. The RMI continues to engage in the development of guidelines and standards to meet this progress. The uptake of digital interface and mandatory data exchange in ports is being driven by amendments to the IMO Facilitation (FAL) Convention which will make it mandatory for Parties to the convention to establish and use Maritime Single Window (MSW) systems for electronic exchange of information required for the arrival and departure of ships in ports. The MSW requirements will enter into force for Parties on 1 January 2024, which means digital interfaces will become more widespread as countries implement the MSW requirements. To support shipowners and crew, the RMI Maritime Administrator is engaged in awareness and communication with its owners and operators.
4. Can big data play a role in helping registries assess quality of ships on the registry and those that apply for membership?
Vessels applying for registration in the RMI are individually evaluated, so there is not much need for big data in these circumstances. However, the RMI Maritime Administrator does make use of data analytics to maintain the high quality of its fleet such as the evaluation of inspections, confirming compliance with sanctions, identifying Port State control (PSC) trends, etc. In these instances, the data analysis paints a clearer picture of the quality and performance of the fleet, allowing the Registry to better support and serve owners and operators.
5. Are ships and crew members still facing problems with safety regulations left over from the Covid pandemic era?
The World Health Organization has determined that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency of international concern, and most countries have removed their travel restrictions. By and large the problems with repatriation of seafarers have abated. However, the Registry remains focused on advocating on behalf of seafarers to ensure that they are recognized as key workers around the world, and overall supporting improved safety, health, and wellness measures for seafarers.
6. What precautions is IRI taking to prepare for potential cyber-attacks both on the registry and on clients?
The RMI Maritime Administrator has implemented IMO Resolution MSC.428(98), which requires Companies to ensure that cyber risks are addressed in their Safety Management Systems no later than the first annual verification of the Company Document of Compliance after 1 January 2021. Additionally, the RMI Maritime Administrator offers information, resources, and support to the RMI fleet outlining industry best practices for cyber risk management. Marine Guideline 2-11-16 provides training resources, reference materials, and guidance for the reporting of cyber incidents for the RMI fleet. Recognizing that cyber threats change and evolve, the RMI Maritime Administrator was also a co-sponsor for a proposal to the last MSC to start a new work output to review and update the IMO 2017 guidelines on Maritime Cyber Risk Management (MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3/Rev.2).
and 7. What is International Registries doing to facilitate women taking a greater role in the maritime industries, including their stepping up to more leadership positions?
There’s been significant improvement in the position of women in the maritime industry over the last 10-15 years, and today it is common in Greece to see a tremendous number of women in leadership roles at shipping companies, associations, etc. IRI supports women in all aspects of the maritime industry and has several women in critical/senior management positions across our 28 worldwide offices and headquarters. Approximately 10% of the IRI team is involved in organizations related to women in shipping, including more than 30+ members of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) in Brazil, Greece, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Perhaps most importantly, IRI actively engages in human capital resources around the world, facilitating interest in the industry among young people of all backgrounds. IRI participates in symposiums, workshops, and seminars at leading maritime institutions and schools worldwide to meet, engage, and educate cadets on the wide variety of opportunities in the industry. In this way, we showcase not only the diversity of career paths, but also the diverse individuals who lead the industry.
