Press release, 24 January 2024
Interferry to stage joint Africa Ferry Safety seminar with IMO
Global trade association Interferry has partnered with the IMO to organise and co-host a seminar on ferry safety in Africa.
Taking place on 16-17 April 2024 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the seminar furthers Interferry´s commitment to reducing casualties in developing nations by promoting the highest maritime safety standards. Regulatory authority the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) will be fellow hosts of the event, where Interferry and the IMO are each inviting around 50 industry representatives from African states most affected by domestic ferry accidents.
Seminar sessions will feature speakers and panellists examining the various issues that directly impact on safe maritime operations – including ticketing and passenger counting, loading and stowage, vessel design and classification, and last but not least, political will.
Interferry has previously been proactive on safety in developing regions with interventions in Bangladesh and the Philippines, which increased awareness among regulators, operators and the travelling public, notably via the association’s FerrySafe initiative on safety culture and mentoring.
The regional shift to Africa consolidates the association´s increased focus on the continent, which will continue this October when Interferry holds its 48th annual conference in Marrakesh, Morocco, with an agenda including a follow-up on the African safety seminar.
“Improving safety standards in Africa is a core target for Interferry due to the high level of incidents in some of its states,” says CEO Mike Corrigan. ”We are not going to Tanzania to lecture anyone. Together with our event partners, we will be fielding a team of seasoned professionals whose purpose is to listen, exchange experience and share best practices on both operational and regulatory levels.
“In the weeks to come, Interferry’s full focus will be on reaching out to the regional industry for their support. We are calling on all interested parties to spread the word about the seminar and exchange contacts and information, so that we can attract the highest possible number of relevant delegates.”
Further information on the Interferry/IMO Africa Ferry Safety seminar can be found at interferry.com/africa-ferry-safety-seminar
Interferry is a highly respected global association with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization and similar influence at the European Union as well as many other maritime governance authorities. With membership exceeding 270 companies and 1,200 individuals in more than 40 countries, its primary purposes are to represent the industry on regulatory and policy matters, to speak on behalf of the worldwide ferry sector, and to facilitate networking and communications among its members.
For press related questions or enquiries, please contact: interferry@ehrenbergsoerensen.com
