Shipping
is the life blood of the global economy. Without shipping, global trade,
the transportation of raw materials and the import/export of petroleum
products, food and manufactured goods, would be a very challenging task.
As
compared to other modes of transport, sea transport is economically and
environmentally the most efficient way to travel or transport merchandise;
nowadays, around 90% of world trade is carried by the international shipping
industry. The sea-related activities sector is essentially composed of
organisations and activities, such as maritime transportation, commercial
fishing and aquaculture industry, the naval industry, the cruise and
recreational sector, sport and commercial ports and marinas, marine energy
sources, navies, marine and ocean research and sciences, maritime training
academies and training centres, a wide range of professional services around
the maritime activities, and professional associations, trade unions and
organisations supporting the rights and interests of seafarers and maritime
professionals.
The Shipping Division is the
specialised arm of the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries
and Shipping. It is responsible for all maritime safety, maritime
security and prevention of pollution of the marine environment from ships and
shipping matters. As a Maritime Administration committed to fulfilling its flag
State, port State and Coastal State functions, the Shipping Division
provides the requisite support to the maritime industry and the global trading
fleets in emerging fields of ocean economy. Registration of Ships, survey and
certification of ships and enforcement of international conventions form an
integral part of the entire process.