The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) adopted a resolution on ports preparing for economic recovery when it convened at its 26th World Ports Conference in Genoa, Italy, in late May.
While most ports around the world are right now severely affected by downturn of the world trade, it was only a year ago that ports were congested all over the world. Ports were inadequate in capacity to handle ever-increasing cargo volume and drastic recent growth in ship size.
In view of especially long lead-time required for improvement of port infrastructure, IAPH urged ports in the world to move ahead with continued investments to improve productivity and expand capacity. Otherwise, IAPH said that ports would not be able to cope with the demand once the world economy starts to grow again.
Furthermore, IAPH adopted a resolution on port climate action.
IAPH had a significant role in implementing the World Ports Climate Declaration of the C40 World Ports Climate Conference held in Rotterdam in July 2008 and launched the World Ports Climate Initiative (WPCI) in November 2008 as a global platform for the world's ports to effectively address climate change.
With this resolution in Genoa, IAPH urged ports in the world, members and non-members, to address climate change.