Baku, Azerbaijan, April 24. A seminar within
the framework of the “MEPC 83 Seminar Series” was held at the
Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company CJSC (ASCO), operating under
the Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding (AZCON), with
the organisational support of the American Bureau of Shipping
(ABS), Trend
reports citing ASCO.
The event aimed to assess the implications of the decisions
adopted during the 83rd session of the International Maritime
Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee
(MEPC), and to exchange international experience in decarbonisation
and the implementation of environmentally sustainable maritime
technologies.
The seminar was dedicated to the topic “MEPC 83 – Impacts and
Challenges in International Shipping.” Presentations highlighted
new regulatory updates, emission reduction goals, and key
directions for transitioning to alternative energy sources.
Chairman of the ASCO Management Board Rauf Valiyev emphasised in
his speech the importance of COP 29, hosted by Azerbaijan in 2024,
in shaping the country’s environmental agenda. He noted that ASCO
is steadily implementing measures to achieve zero-emission
operations in its fleet by 2050 and views this course as a
strategic priority within the fleet modernisation programme.
Seyfettin Tatlı, ABS Business Development Director for Türkiye
and the Caspian region, underlined that the regulatory framework
resulting from MEPC 83 enhances the relevance of digital inspection
systems, which contribute to operational agility, transparency, and
environmental oversight.
Konstantinos Theocharis, ABS Chief Engineer for Regulatory
Affairs, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the IMO’s new
rule implementation schedule, EU fuel directives, and safety
mechanisms aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Mevlüt Civelek, Manager of MAN Türkiye, shared technical
approaches to alternative fuels, particularly biofuels, onboard
carbon capture technologies, and emission reduction strategies.
Themis Vagiakos, ABS Global Director for Sustainability,
presented international best practices in energy efficiency,
sustainable technologies, and decarbonisation. Digital inspection
technologies demonstrated during the seminar showcased modern
methods of technical auditing and electronic monitoring of
environmental compliance. During interactive sessions, participants
exchanged views on technical and legal issues.
The seminar brought together representatives of ASCO, the State
Maritime and Port Agency, Caspian Marine Services Ltd, Caspian BUE
Offshore Ltd, TEG Central Asia, Caspian Drilling Company, ASCO
Shipmanagement AFEZCO, bp, and the Baku Shipyard.
Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency’s
WhatsApp channel