· Says in China that technology is crucial
By Our Reporter
Dr Dakuku Peterside seems to be celebrated anywhere he goes in the world. In China, he is said to have enjoyed same experience. With all his experience, he thinks blue economy must embrace drive for technology from the onset.
Details:
With several countries across the world looking towards the maritime sector and the blue economy, the immediate past director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Peterside, says developing robust technology infrastructure and leveraging smart applications are the keys to enhancing safety and growth.
Peterside, an international maritime industry resource person, made this remark at the Normal University, Beijing, China, while speaking at a one-day conference on the future of maritime industry in developing countries.
According to him, the maritime industry is a critical component of global trade and therefore safety should be paramount to all stakeholders. “Embracing smart applications has emerged as a powerful strategy to bolster safety measures and efficiency in the industry.”
He noted further that “Whether for real time monitoring and data collection, predictive analytics, automation of navigation systems, collision avoidance systems, or emergency response and communication, smart applications represent a transformative approach to enhancing safety standards in the industry.”
He added; “More than any other region, the global south must step up its game in this regard to optimize benefit from the blue economy.”
The maritime expert admonished developing countries to invest in the development of robust technological infrastructure and manpower in the maritime industry, saying it is critical for the growth of the sector.
Peterside, who is also a former chairman of the Association of African Maritime Administration (AAMA), while stating that technological infrastructure is critical for growth of blue economy, lamented that “It is unfortunate that most developing countries are just contented using services in the sector without investing in tailor made technology solutions that address their peculiar challenges.”
According to him, “Developing countries can leapfrog growth in blue economy and maritime ecosystem by upscaling application of technology in the sector.”
He praised China for great recording accomplishments in the blue economy space, including having eight of the top 10 ports globally by volume and having the highest number of patent applications in maritime related technology.
The ‘maritime turnaround expert also posited that China couldn’t be said to make real progress if other developing countries, which represent the market of today and the future, were not supported to grow.
The former House of Representatives member noted that Nigeria, which is the biggest economy in Africa, has recently focused on the blue economy for economic renaissance and should be supported by all who wish Africa well.
Peterside is scheduled to speak later this month in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and London at different maritime events.
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