As the 2020 deadline for the sulphur cap gets nearer, ICS reviewed progress in persuading the IMO to take measures to address expected implementation problems. This includes safety and fuel compatibility issues regarding the use of new 0.5% sulphur blends and continuing uncertainty over the availability of compliant fuels in every port globally.
The ICS Board concluded that it will be key for the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee to complete this work at its meeting in May 2019, as shipowners begin ordering compliant fuels.
Namely, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Esben Poulsson, stated:
The 2020 global sulphur cap will be the regulatory game changer of the decade with profound implications for the economics of shipping. But there are even more profound changes to come. We are rapidly moving into a multi-fuel future to be followed we hope, in the 2030s, by the arrival of commercially viable zero CO2 fuels suitable for global application
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He also added that shipowners must prepare their ship specific implementation plans for 2020. This should be done using the IMO template adopted at the industry’s request and the advice prepared by ICS.
Regarding the greenhouse gas reduction targets agreed by IMO in 2018, including a 40% efficiency improvement by 2030 and a 50% total cut in the sector’s GHG emissions by 2050, the ICS Board welcomed the finalisation of proposals to IMO on short term measures. These include tightening of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships, along with proposals for a ‘Super SEEMP’ where current Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans could be subject to mandatory external audits.
In addition, Mr. Poulsson mentioned that the ICS agreed that the industry cannot achieve the 2050 GHG reduction target using fossil fuels. For this reason, over the next 10 years there is going to be the need for massive investment in research and development of zero CO2 emitting propulsion systems.
The ICS Board also welcomed the recommendation of the ICS Manning and Training Sub-Committee that ICS should encourage IMO to perform a comprehensive review of the IMO STCW Convention governing seafarers’ and training and certification standards.
Finally, the meeting expressed worries about the worsening security situation in the Gulf of Guinea. In this area, a sharp increase in the number of attacks on ships’ crews, has been reported.
