The minister of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Honourable Manasseh Maelanga, is in London, England, to attend the Marine Environment Protection Committee 83rd session at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Headquarters from 7 to 11April 2025.

The minister, accompanied by his newly appointed Deputy Secretary Technical, Mike Qaqara, left the country Friday last week upon the invitation of counterpart minister of the Republic of Marshall Islands, Honourable Hilton Kendall.

This meeting is a pivotal session to discuss key agendas: reduction of GHG emissions from ships, review of the short-term measure to reduce GHG emissions, energy efficiency of ships ,addressing marine plastic litter, identification and protection of special areas, ballast water management , air pollution prevention , amendments to the NOx technical code, pollution prevention and response and proposals for new output decisions regarding measures to decarbonise international shipping.

“These discussions and decisions will shape the trajectory of international shipping and its impact on our Small Island Development States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDC), which are on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

“It is imperative that as Pacific Islands, we must stand united and demonstrate strength in numbers at the highest political level,” MID stated.

Solomon Islands is a member of the African, Caribbean & Pacific (ACP) Group of States, and their attendance is essential to ensure the outcomes of the final report align with the needs and priorities of our country in the maritime sector.

Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) officials were the first to arrive for this meeting, particularly for the preceding sessions in their capacity as committee members for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 19), from 31 March to 1 April. Minister, Maelanga will team up with them for the opening tomorrow, followed by the plenary sessions.

– MID