INTERCARGO reflects on the most important issues that affect shipping

INTERCARGO members, Executive Committee and Technical Committee met at the Association’s spring semi-annual events, to analyze the pressing issues that maritime faces today, such as the war in Ukraine, COVID-19, ESG and emissions.

Ukraine

The Executive Committee discussed concerns raised by members both for the wellbeing of seafarers – Ukrainian and Russian – and for the very serious challenges facing operators and managers.

Under this light, Dimitrios Fafalios, Chairman of INTERCARGO, confirmed INTERCARGO’s commitment to joint industry initiatives, such as the Industry Task Force, established earlier this year.

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COVID-19

Concerns were raised that the situation in Ukraine had pushed COVID off the industry agenda and that seafarers are still facing major issues with crew change, port entry and changing vaccination requirements.

The Association continues to maintain dialogue with governments at the highest level to keep the situation top of the agenda for national governments

Safety & ESG

INTERCARGO highlighted its support for the Together in Safety initiative, developed by a coalition of like-minded top level shipping associations. Safety in the bulk carrier sector continues to be a priority for the Association as it strives to keep issues such as cargo liquefaction, the fuel oil sulphur limit and vessel design and construction, high on the industry’s agenda.

Safety is a key component and driver of the ESG framework, a topic we have been looking into with great attention

Secretary General Kostas Gkonis said.

GHG emissions

The issue of GHG emissions was at the centre of discussions, with the operational challenges associated with the IMO roadmap, paths to compliance and the industry’s decarbonisation ambitions for 2050 featuring as key topics for debate.

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The meeting highlighted the need for an acceleration in the commercial development and availability of relevant technologies, fuels, propulsion systems and related infrastructure to meet these aspirations.

Delegates agreed to support the IMO in its efforts to urge governments to adopt the necessary measures to accelerate R&D of zero-carbon technologies and expedite their deployment.