Denmark sees global regulation as crucial to the maritime industryDenmark sees global regulation as crucial to the maritime industry

Speaking at the opening of Sea Asia 2015 Larsen identified three critical areas of importance to the maritime industry, the second of which was regulation. “We must ensure smart global regulation for the shipping industry,” he said.

“We need global regulation to prevent national and regional protection and trade barriers, we need requirements for safety security and protection of the environment. But we also must leave room for an element of efficient solutions from the maritime industry.”

Denmark is one of seven countries to put forward a candidate for the post of IMO secretary-general, with director general of the Danish Maritime Authority Andreas Nordseth standing for election.

“Singapore and Denmark are both supporters of the IMO and we work together to find effective global solutions to the challenges. We believe that IMO should be the focal point of international and technical regulations,” Larsen said.

The other issues that Larsen highlighted were safeguarding open markets for international shipping and the need for skilled people in the industry.

“The men and women onboard ships, in ports and in the maritime companies ashore that hold the future of the maritime industry in their hands,” he said.

“Young people must know they can get a unique career in the maritime sector and we should work together to create attractive training and career programmes.”

Cooperation with between Singapore Management University (SMU) and Copenhagen Business School was cited as an example.

“The way I see it cooperation is key to handling these global challenges, we need cooperation in the maritime industry, across the industry and across countries.”