They talked about best practices and preparedness in 23rd INAP
During the two-day conference of the 23rd International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP), representatives from major ports in Asia shared the new technologies they are using and planned to implement to reduce carbon foot prints, and the effect of disasters in their respective areas.
INAP is an annual conference of neighboring ports which serves as venue for the promotion, cooperation, exchange of newly developed concepts and marketing strategies that helps in the development and improvement of ports, protection of environment and promoting safer maritime industry.
Attendees were the Port’s Administrators or Chairmen of the Port of Cebu, Port of Chittagong (Bangladesh), Port of Colombo (Sri Lanka), Port of Dangjin (South Korea), Port of Davao (Davao City, Philippines), Port of Kochi (Japan), Mokpo New Port (Korea), Port of Qingdao (China), Port of Subic Bay (Philippines), and the Port of Tanjung Perak (Indonesia).
Delegates from Thailand and Vietnam also joined the conference to observe the benefits of INAP membership.
With this year’s theme, “Promoting Resiliency and Disaster Preparedness,” the heads of ports shared their best practices in ports and environmental management, to promote mutually beneficial opportunities for all the ports, but especially the member-ports.
Among the significant practices discussed on each port focused on reduction of carbon emission, disaster management and strategies, and Green Ports.
One amazing presentation was from Port of Qingdao which aside from being fully automated, the port uses shore power app which allows ships to use shore power when at berth, instead of diesel, for lights, pumps, communications, refrigeration, decreasing air pollution by 95 percent.
The Port is also a hydrogen-powered port which is a zero-emission fuel source. These innovation made the Qingdao Port to become the first and only Double Five Star Port China, and one of the best in the world.
The Port of Subic, on the other hand, boasted its current status by presenting its development achievements and projects. As of now, Subic Port has the most advance vessel traffic management system in the Philippines; it uses and promotes the use of solar energy in most offices; conducts regular capacity building trainings.
Subic Port, as the presented, maintains mangrove nursery to sustain its mangrove area conservation program; also sustainable risk reduction, and supporting community development projects benefiting coastal communities.
Hear’s to Watch
The Port of Subic called the Redondo Peninsula at the mouth of Subic Bay as the “Next Frontier” of the Subic Freeport.
This is because of the proposal to construct a bridge that will connect Cubi Point in the eastern part of Subic Bay and the Redondo Peninsula that aims to open new investment sites and business opportunities. Should the bridge materialized, it will cut short the travel time from Subic Freeport to tourism facilities in Zambales by up to two hours, ease traffic flow on summer time, and boost eco-tourism in the area.
Issues on the West Philippine Sea were not discussed or avoided and simply focused on discussion on economic, environmental and disaster preparedness.
But this proposed bridge was first heard during the administration of former chairman and administrator Tong Payumo in year 2000, after the availability of land became scarce while the number of investors increases.
After more than two decades, will the ground breaking breaks?
The other thing is, if the 72.5-meter Magsaysay Bridge connecting Olongapo City and Subic Freeport almost took five years to complete, how long would it take then to construct the 5.5-kilometer (km) long Subic Bay Bridge in Redondo Peninsula.
Well, we all know that that there other better constructors in the country. So, let us all wish for the good part.
