IMO and APF lend critical backing to industry effort to show gratitude
The world’s maritime sector is standing in solidarity with communities around the world battling the CoronaVirus pandemic by joining Abu Dhabi Ports’ initiative ‘Horns of Hope’.
In a world-first campaign, all ships in harbours around the world will sound their horns in 15-second bursts each evening in recognition and support of the maritime, healthcare, and critical sector personnel who continue to work in mission-critical roles to address the impact of Covid-19.
The initiative which was launched on 31 March received a welcome boost today when both the International Maritime Organisation, the 174-member state strong United Nations specialised agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the Arab Sea Ports Federation formally committed their members to the cause.
“This initiative spreads hope around the world and highlights the vital importance of our maritime and logistics lifelines at a time of crisis,” stressed Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports Group.
“Arab sea ports are the region’s lifeline to the world; they are the single greatest source of our supplies, both raw materials and finished goods, from Cairo to Fujairah and Kuwait City to Jeddah,” observed Abdulla Al Muharrami, Head of the Regional Office, Arab Sea Ports Federation.
The ‘Horns of Hope’ campaign expects to see vessels within the world’s port harbours signalling solidarity by sounding their horns each day at 18:30 hours for the remainder of the ongoing global battle against Covid-19.
