Norwegian government’s backsliding on essential measures against NOx pollution
Environmental organisations at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are urging the Norwegian government to stop its attempt to postpone an introduction of NOx emission control areas for ships.
The delay would give political cover to countries eager to dismantle environmental legislation without being seen to side with Russia, according to the NGOs.
Norway, together with the Marshall Islands, is backing the 2016 application date for NOx emission control areas (NECAs) in North America, while also supporting Russian calls to delay the date of any new NECAs. The Clean Shipping Coalition, in a letter to the Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment, say the move is politically divisive and environmentally harmful. The delay is opposed by most European states and the United States.
The law on NECAs was adopted unanimously by the IMO in 2008 and will require an 80% reduction in NOx emissions from new ships sailing in the specially designated areas. Last year the IMO’s expert review of NOx control systems concluded such technologies were available and that the regulation should proceed on schedule.
Last spring Russia submitted a proposal – initially opposed by Norway – that NECAs be delayed by a full five years, until 2021. But on March 13, Environment Minister Tine Sundtoft confirmed to the Norwegian parliament that her government now favours the postponement.
Svend Soyland of the Clean Shipping Coalition said: “The Norwegian government’s backsliding on these essential measures against NOx pollution on our seas offers political cover for those countries and flag states eager to dismantle environmental legislation without having to be seen to side with Russia.“
“Norway needs to withdraw its proposal for a delay and resume its usual progressive approach to the environmental aspects of shipping by working with European and other IMO countries to uphold the integrity of global regulations.“
Source: Seas At Risk