Posted: November 16th, 2023
Maritime Policy, Planning and Development
Maritime Policy, Planning and Development – Analyzes national/international maritime policies and strategies regarding ports, shipping, offshore industries and blue economy
Maritime policy, planning and development are essential for the sustainable management of the ocean and its resources. Maritime policy refers to the set of rules, regulations, and strategies that govern the use and protection of the marine environment and its activities. Planning is the process of identifying, evaluating, and selecting the best options for achieving the policy objectives. Development is the implementation of the chosen plans and projects to enhance the economic, social, and environmental benefits of the maritime sector.
The maritime sector encompasses various activities such as ports, shipping, offshore industries, and blue economy. Ports are the gateways for international trade and transport, providing essential services and infrastructure for the movement of goods and passengers. Shipping is the backbone of global commerce, carrying more than 80% of world trade by volume and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Offshore industries include oil and gas exploration and production, renewable energy generation, aquaculture, and seabed mining. Blue economy is the concept of harnessing the potential of the ocean for economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.
The challenges and opportunities of the maritime sector are influenced by various factors such as globalization, digitalization, climate change, security, governance, and innovation. These factors require a comprehensive and coherent approach to maritime policy, planning and development at national and international levels. Some of the key issues that need to be addressed are:
– How to balance the competing demands and interests of different maritime stakeholders and sectors?
– How to ensure the safety, security, and efficiency of maritime operations and infrastructure?
– How to promote the competitiveness and resilience of the maritime industry in a changing global market?
– How to foster the innovation and diversification of maritime products and services?
– How to enhance the environmental performance and sustainability of maritime activities?
– How to maximize the social benefits and inclusion of coastal communities and maritime workers?
To address these issues, it is necessary to adopt a holistic and integrated approach that considers the interdependencies and synergies among different aspects of maritime policy, planning and development. This approach should be based on:
– A clear vision and strategic objectives for the maritime sector that align with national priorities and international commitments.
– A sound evidence base and analysis that support informed decision-making and evaluation.
– A participatory and inclusive process that engages relevant stakeholders from public, private, and civil society sectors.
– A coordinated and coherent framework that harmonizes policies, plans, regulations, standards, and instruments across different levels of governance.
– A flexible and adaptive mechanism that allows for continuous monitoring, review, and improvement.
This paper aims to provide a critical review of the current state of affairs and future prospects of maritime policy, planning and development at national and international levels. It will examine the main trends, drivers, challenges, opportunities, best practices, gaps, and recommendations for each of the key maritime activities: ports, shipping, offshore industries, and blue economy. It will also discuss some cross-cutting issues such as governance, innovation, sustainability, social inclusion, education, training, research, data collection etc.
References:
– Bueger C., 2019. What is Maritime Security? Bristol: Bristol University Press.
– Gritsenko D., Yliskylä-Peuralahti J., 2020. Maritime Transport in the Baltic Sea: Past Developments,
Current Situation And Future Scenarios. Sustainability 12(16): 6479.
– Smith H.D., 2021. The Future Of Ocean Governance And Capacity Development: Essays In Honor Of Elisabeth Mann Borgese (1918–2002). London: Routledge.