The 3rd Port Management Programme (PMP), one of the flagship programmes developed by the MPA Academy for port masters, harbour masters and middle managers from maritime and port authorities kicked-off today. The five-day programme which will run till 2 September 2016 was attended by 18 maritime officials from regions spanning Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Oceania. The programme will be delivered by professionals and practitioners from the industry as well as senior officers from MPA.
For the first time, as part of the programme, participants will attend the inaugural International Safety@Sea Conference to be held on 30 August 2016. Mr Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of International Maritime Organization (IMO) will speak on key priorities and policies in the areas of maritime safety, particularly on the importance of building a culture of safety throughout the global shipping community. Participants would also get to witness how an emergency response is conducted in the port waters of Singapore in a ferry rescue exercise.
Mr Andrew Tan, MPA's Chief Executive, said, “The maritime industry is facing one of its toughest challenges. The Port Management Programme, along with MPA Academy’s other flagship programmes, aim to provide an enriching platform for the leaders of port and marine administration to exchange ideas and strategies that will help in overcoming challenges faced in their course of work.”
Mr Zurab Bakuridze, Liaison Officer with Ports, Maritime Transport Agency of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia said “I am looking forward to a thorough discussion and the sharing of knowledge on various key topics in port management. I expect to enhance my skills and be able to apply what I’ve learnt to the work in my country. Furthermore, I am excited to learn more from the success of Singapore’s port, specifically in areas of bunkering and planning.”
Mr Lesther Antonio Ortega Lemus, Deputy Head of Mission, and Alternate Permanent Representative of Guatemala to the IMO, Embassy of Guatemala in the UK, said “Singapore is well-known in the maritime and ports circles for embracing technology whilst watching over the environment, caring for its staff and achieving unrivalled standards in efficiency and reliability, setting the benchmark for the world. Undertaking the Port Management Programme by MPA Academy for any participant means having the highest expectations in terms of being exposed to cutting-edge methodology and resources whilst networking with the front-runners in each area.”
Beyond the classroom, participants will also go on site visits to facilities such as PSA Terminals, MPA's Port Operations Control Centre and the Integrated Simulation Centre. In addition, they will have opportunities to interact, network and exchange ideas with their peers and industry practitioners.
