GENERAL STATEMENT BY
HIS EXCELLENCY PENGIRAN DATO SHAMHARY MUSTAPHA
MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFOCOMMUNICATIONS
HEAD OF DELEGATION FOR BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
AT THE 33RD REGULAR SESSION OF THE IMO ASSEMBLY
Your Royal Highness President,
Mr. Secretary-General,
Ministers, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen
1. On behalf of Brunei Darussalam, thank you for giving me the floor to address the 33rd regular session of the IMO Assembly today. I am deeply honoured and pleased to be here in your presence to deliver my first address at this esteemed Assembly.
2. First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected President and VicePresidents. I am confident that under your able leadership
the Assembly will run smoothly and achieve the desired outcomes. I wish you all success in your elected roles.
3. Let me also take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the outgoing Secretary-General, for his dedicated service and pilotage, in advancing the work and goals of the IMO during his tenure.
4. This includes shaping IMO’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy, promoting diversity and inclusion in the maritime sector, as well as the designation of seafarers as key
workers during the height of the global pandemic. These are clear demonstration of his commitment to a sustainable and equitable maritime future.
5. Also, we cannot mention the marked progress of the decarbonization initiatives in the maritime sector without commending Mr. Kitack Lim’s leadership and those supporting him in shaping the revised IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, which emanated from the Maritime Environment Protection Committee’s
work in July this year.
6. As we embark on this journey, it is crucial to acknowledge that member states are at varying stages of their decarbonization journey. It has also been recognised that
technological innovation and the global introduction of alternative fuels or energy sources for shipping will be integral to achieve the overall ambition.
7. Hence, in striving for a decarbonized maritime sector, we must be pragmatic and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. I firmly believe, member states must intensify collaboration in the sharing of knowledge, technology, and resources to foster our cooperative spirit and provide clarity to the industry.
8. Nations with access to advanced green technologies, should support others in overcoming barriers to entry in the (decarbonization) journey - hence, ensuring that no nation is left behind, and that the burden of responsibility is shared equitably.
9. Brunei Darussalam is fully committed towards cooperating with the international community to address the issue of climate change.
10. As a case in point, I am pleased to share that our national LNG carrier, Brunei Gas Carriers, was proud to be part of a trial initiative to ship the first carbon-neutral LNG cargo for both Brunei LNG and Osaka Gas via a carbon offset mechanism utilising high quality carbon credits from a global portfolio of nature-based projects back in 2021.
President, Secretary-General, Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates
11. As we approach a significant moment in our maritime history, I am proud to highlight that Brunei Darussalam will be celebrating her 40th anniversary as an IMO Member State next year. One notable achievement worth mentioning is the substantial headway Brunei Darussalam has made in finalizing the implementation of IMSAS audit corrective actions. We have diligently addressed identified areas for improvement, strengthening our maritime infrastructure and operational practices.
12. The marked progress made thus far, signify our commitment to creating a thriving maritime industry that is both safer and more environmentally sustainable.
13. This brings me to also share Brunei Darussalam’s pledge to provide support to IMO’s work through tiered funding for the delivery of a regional activity concerning the compensation conventions in 2024.
14. Before concluding, allow me to convey my sincerest congratulations to Mr. Arsenio Dominguez (of the Republic of Panama) for his appointment as the incoming IMO Secretary-General. I join distinguished delegates today to express my full confidence in his capability to further the IMO’s noble mission. We look forward to working with you in pursuit of these goals.
15. On my final note, I wish Council Members, who are seeking election, success and look forward to see your leadership flourish to continuously improve the safety and security of shipping, protection of the marine environment and promotion of capacity building. My best wishes to all delegations for a productive Assembly ahead.
Thank you.
