A very important first step for a truly global reduction in CO2 emissions
The big question now emanating from the IMO’s landmark MEPC 62 meeting to make energy efficiency standards mandatory in shipping is what the reaction of the European Union will be, and whether global mandatory EEDI will be enough to ward off Brussels’ own action to cut shipping emissions. The answer as can best be judged at this stage is probably ‘No’.
The European Commission is in the process of developing a regulatory proposal to cover emissions from international shipping in its region. It says progress has been too slow on a global regulation from IMO or the UN climate convention (UNFCCC). It wants to see some substantial action on reducing emissions in shipping imposing steep cuts on its land-based high-emitting industries; in the order of 20 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.
The Commission has plainly stated before that if such steps are not taken at a global level by the end of 2011 then it will finalise a proposal in early 2012 and aim to have it take effect possibly as soon as 2013. In keeping with its own action, Brussels wants to see more extensive market-based measures (MBMs), that is, a bunker levy or emissions trading, applied to shipping. Early indications are that not much has changed in Brussels’ view following MEPC 62.
While Connie Hedegaard, the European climate commissioner, welcomed the IMO decision as “a very positive and important first step for a truly global, binding measure to reduce CO2 emissions,” further elaboration from Brussels suggested it might not be enough.
A spokesman for Ms Hedegaard said the IMO decision “does not mean that the Commission will not propose anything for maritime next year. We are looking at the options on how the maritime sector can further contribute to the emissions reduction efforts. Bringing shipping into the ETS is only one of the options”.
EEDI and SEEMP can only be expected to slow the growth in shipping emissions over coming decades rather than bring about absolute reductions. The main impact will be on new vessels coming into service over the next decade rather than on the existing global fleet. This means a gradual effect on emissions. The related decision to offer a waiver to developing countries to delay EEDI implementation as late as 2019 stands to further weaken its impact.
IMO is studying MBMs and further consideration was scheduled for MEPC 62 but there was no discussion. The focus was on securing EEDI and SEEMP approval but its proponents. There is little chance of substantial further progress in this area in 2011.
Bill Hemmings of the European NGO Transport & Environment says IMO would need one way or another to do more to achieve cuts in shipping’s GHG emissions. “Adopting the EEDI is the right step but the long delay weakens its short to medium term impact significantly.
If the IMO does not deliver action quickly now on existing ships, it will be up to the EU to take the lead at a regional level,” Hemmings said.
Source: Carbon Positive