RS took part in the UNCTAD Expert Meeting on Transport, Trade Logistics and Trade Facilitation
Sergey Legusha, a Senior Principal Surveyor from the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS), recently attended a major event held by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This gathering, the 11th Expert Meeting on Transport, Trade Logistics, and Trade Facilitation, took place at the United Nations’ headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The event brought together leaders and experts to discuss improvements and challenges in global shipping and trade.
UNCTAD, which started in 1964, is an important group within the UN. Its goal is to promote fair and sustainable development worldwide. Every four years, UNCTAD’s main body, the Ministerial Conference, gathers to set goals and create new policies. Between these big meetings, smaller expert sessions, like the one RS attended, allow experts to talk about specific issues in trade, investment, and technology.
Although UNCTAD doesn’t make binding rules for countries, it provides insights that are highly valued. These reports, especially the annual Review of Maritime Transport, influence global markets and point out key areas for growth. The latest report, released in 2024, covers topics like shipping rates, cargo transport trends, and the state of global ports.
At the recent Geneva event, RS shared updates on Russia’s advancements in creating Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and remote control centers for these vessels. This technology aims to reduce pollution and make maritime shipping smarter. MASS, which can operate with minimal human input, could transform the future of shipping, especially with the development of “smart” ports that use technology to boost efficiency.
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Key discussion points at the meeting included:
- Reducing Shipping Pollution: Decarbonizing the shipping industry is a top priority. Experts talked about how to lower emissions and promote eco-friendly practices in shipping.
- Alternative Energy: Ports and ships can become greener by using alternative energy sources. The UNCTAD idea of “sustainable and smart ports” is centered on using renewable energy and advanced technology.
- Improving Global Supply Chains: With recent disruptions in global trade, experts discussed ways to make shipping and logistics more resilient to future challenges.
The next session of this expert meeting will be held in October 2025, where progress on these goals will be reviewed.
About RS: Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is known for its role in making the maritime industry safer and more environmentally friendly. RS inspects ships, checks offshore platforms, and certifies companies to ensure they follow global standards. It has also expanded its services to engineering and consulting, focusing on the safety of marine operations.
Today, RS works under the motto “More than class,” meaning it goes beyond traditional inspection work. RS now provides a variety of services, from marine surveys to inspecting packaging for hazardous goods. Through these efforts, RS is committed to improving safety and environmental standards in the shipping industry.
