Page 28 - SG Nautilus Issue 47.indb

ISSUE 47 PAGE 26

PERSONALITY

leading the

decarbonisation charge

r
A
A
r
e
e
M M M
Mr Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Chairman
n
d
d
r
r
d
d
n
d
d
of BW Group and Singapore Maritime
Foundation, was recently appointed
Co-Chairman of the International Advisory
Panel on Maritime Decarbonisation.
Chua Kim Beng speaks to him to
understand the challenges of each role
WITH MANY STAKEHOLDERS IN THE MARITIME
INDUSTRY, WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU
FORESEE IN COMING UP WITH A HOLISTIC
DECARBONISATION STRATEGY THAT IS FAIR TO
ALL INDUSTRY PLAYERS?
Governments can choose between a purpose-
driven industrial strategy and a laissez-faire
approach. In times of growth, laissez-faire
leaves markets to determine outcomes. In
times of stress, a more proactive strategy can
help to channel human and fi nancial resources
to solve the challenges we face.
How should one set the strategy and
determine what to prioritise? First, we need
to ask where the greatest needs at the global
or national level are. Second, we need to
consider what Singapore is good at, and how
we can build on our capabilities.
In terms of needs, the COVID-19 pandemic
has highlighted essential services such
as food, health, energy, and the systems
required to deliver them. Supporting the
maritime supply chain ensures we get the
resources we need, and that we remain
relevant as a hub.
Climate change and decarbonisation
issues are also gaining momentum, both
as a global necessity and as an economic