In line with a great deal of debate across the industry, BIMCO became the latest shipping association to express concerns on the inclusion of shipping in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), noting that such action will inhibit global action on reducing CO2 emissions.
Following months of debates across the industry, the European Parliament voted to include CO2 emissions from the maritime sector in the EU Emissions Trading System, eyeing a 40% reduction in CO2 by 2030.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) issued a study which explores and addresses the implications that may arise from the application of the EU’s Emission Trading System (EU-ETS) to maritime transport.
Criticizing the insufficient progress of IMO emission reporting requirements, the EU took more decisive action to decarbonize the maritime sector. On Tuesday, the Environment Committee voted to include CO2 emissions from the maritime sector in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and set a new target of 40% reduction in shipping CO2 by 2030.
On 12 December, the European Commission will present the European Green Deal as part of its plan to be the first climate neutral continent by 2050, announced the European Commission’s recently-elected President, Ursula von der Leyen, on the sidelines of COP 25 underway in Madrid.
Last week, the European Political Strategy Centre (EPSC) published a strategic note for Clean Transport at Sea, describing the course for European Leadership, including the confirmation of the European Commission’s President, Ursula von der Leyen’s ambition to add maritime transport into the EU’s Emission Trading System.
The appointment of Ursula von der Leyen as the new European Commission President has made headlines this week, as she won with a strong call for environmental action that could transform Europe over the next five years. The new climate policy foresees inclusion of the maritime sector in the EU ETS, following years of contradictory negotiations.
The EU confirmed that it will include shipping in its emissions trading system if the International Maritime Organisation does not deliver effective global measures to reduce shipping emissions by 2023.
The German Shipowners’ Association released a statement, in which it welcomes the commitment of the EU Member States to the global climate protection strategy of the IMO.
“The IMO is currently busy drawing up its strategy for reducing CO2 emissions from the international shipping. IMO is the organisation to regulate our global industry.” commented Martin Dorsman, ECSA’s Secretary General.
