In view of the disruption generated by the COVID-19 pandemic on the maritime networks, the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the MEDports Association co-hosted a webinar with key sectorial partners to discuss how to enhance sustainability and resilience of ports and maritime transport in the Mediterranean region during and after the pandemic.
It was concluded that, with due regard to the protection of public health, ports must remain fully operational with all their regular services in place, guaranteeing complete functionality of the supply chains.
Governments were called upon to support shipping, ports and transport operators in view of best practices. Participants reiterated that the maritime transportation system will only be sustainable when it delivers safe, secure, efficient and reliable transport of goods across the world, while minimizing pollution, maximizing energy efficiency and ensuring resource conservation.
It was underlined that, in the maritime sector, resilience means that ports, and the organizations that depend on ports, can adapt to changing conditions and, when disruptions occur, they can recover quickly and resume business stronger than before.
Furthermore, it was noted that the COVID-19 pandemic could be an opportunity for the maritime industry to change the way the industry operates so as to effectively contribute to broader systemic resilience.
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