The International Network of Affiliated Ports (INAP), during its 23rd conference here in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ), announced the appointment of Engr. Eduardo Jose Aliño, chairman and Administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as the new INAP Chairman. With his extensive experience in port management and development, as well as a proven track record of promoting sustainable practices within the maritime sector, Engr. Aliño is expected to lead the INAP into a new era of innovation and global collaboration.
Engr. Aliño over 37 years of experience in the maritime industry, having started his career in port operations with one of the largest ship brokerage facilities and integrated cargo handling services in 1987. His strategic vision, passion and dedication to infrastructure improvement and development has significantly increased operational efficiency, and sustainability in port operations management, which will further strengthen the organization’s thrust of fostering mutual cooperation among member ports.
As the new INAP head, his tasks and responsibilities include overseeing INAP’s initiatives to strengthen relationships between member ports, promote best practices, and push for the use of green technology to address and mitigate emerging challenges in the maritime industry. He vows to focus on further enhancing port operations thru various capability-building initiatives in collaboration with other member ports to ensure that they can adapt and meet the demands of a fast evolving maritime landscape.
“It is with profound gratitude and an overwhelming sense of purpose that I stand before you today to accept the chairmanship of this esteemed network. I want to thank each of you for the trust you have placed in me. Your support has been both humbling and encouraging, and I am truly honored to take on this pivotal role. I look forward to collaborating with all of you to achieve great things in the coming years,” Aliño said.
INAP’s global influence is poised for heightened leverage as it targets 2 key areas of improvement: advancing sustainability and environmentally sound practices thru green technology, and implementing cutting-edge technologies with the use of artificial intelligence and other digital advancements, while fostering a spirit of partnership and collaboration among diverse port communities.
The INAP, which was founded in 1998 with active memberships from the ports of Colombo in Sri Lanka, Port of Dangjin and Mokpo New Port in South Korea, Port of Kochi in Japan, Port of Qingdao in China, Port of Tanjung Perak in Indonesia, Port of Chittagong in Bangladesh, and the Port of Subic Bay, Port of Cebu, and Port of Davao in the Philippines, with the Philippine Ports Authority, was formed to promote cooperation and information exchange among affiliated ports, enhance port networks, integrate individual affiliates, and most importantly, strengthen economic and cultural relationships among member-nations.