Throughout November 2024, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) took significant steps to deepen its engagement with China’s maritime and shipbuilding industries through high-level meetings and events.
These efforts reinforced AMPP’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, promoting sustainable materials practices, and advancing technical standards in maritime sectors.
Strengthening Partnerships in Shanghai
On November 5, Terry Greenfield, AMPP's accredited representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), visited the Shanghai Association of Shipbuilding Industry (SASIC). The meeting highlighted a three-year history of collaboration between AMPP and SASIC, including co-organized seminars on corrosion standards and technical exchanges within the shipbuilding sector.
Zhang Jie, secretary general of SASIC, provided an overview of the association's activities and services for its members. Meanwhile, Terry shared AMPP updates and discussed future initiatives.
Both organizations agreed on AMPP’s participation in the 28th China Shanghai International Boat Show in March 2025, marking a significant step forward in their partnership. The meeting also included AMPP’s manager for the East Asia & Pacific region, as well as the international cooperation director for SASIC.
China Shipbuilding Industry Annual Conference
On November 15, Greenfield attended the 2024 China Shipbuilding Industry Annual Conference in Fuzhou, Fujian Province. The event brought together leaders from government, shipyards, industrial associations, and ship owners, with a mission of providing opportunities to network and discuss the current state of the global shipbuilding industry.
A notable moment was Greenfield’s discussion with Li Yanqing, secretary general of the China Association of National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI) and chair of ISO TC 8. They explored ways AMPP and CANSI could deepen their collaboration to promote sustainable development in shipbuilding.
Promoting Green Maritime Initiatives
On November 17, Greenfield and Bei Gu, AMPP’s manager for East Asia & Pacific, participated in Fuzhou’s Development and Cooperation of Marine Green Materials Industry Forum. Over 100 experts and leaders from academia, research institutes, and industry attended the forum, which focused on green material technologies and international cooperation in the maritime sector.
Greenfield delivered opening remarks alongside CANSI’s deputy secretary general and gave a keynote presentation titled, “New Technical Specifications & Development in Marine Environmental Protection.” His presentation underscored AMPP’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the shipping industry through innovation in materials performance and global standards development.
Advancing Sustainable Shipping Practices
Statistics presented at the forum revealed that the shipping industry currently contributes between 2% and 3% of global carbon emissions, and without intervention, that figure is projected to reach 5% by 2050. Maritime green materials, such as those promoted by AMPP, are critical in achieving global sustainability goals by reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Through these initiatives, AMPP continues to be a driving force in advancing sustainable practices, fostering global collaboration, and supporting the shipbuilding industry's commitment to safety, reliability, and environmental protection.
Source: AMPP, www.ampp.org.