Ahead of critical meetings at the IMO, regarding the reduction of GHG emissions from ships, which will start on 3 April, the International Chamber of Shipping says that governments must compromise to help IMO agree on an ambitious strategy for the reduction of CO2 emissions by shipping.
The ICS Table presents the performance of individual flag states worldwide, and analyses the administrations’ performance based on a number of criteria such as port state control records, ratification of international maritime Conventions and attendance at IMO meetings. This year, a new criteria on participation in the ‘IMO Member State Audit Scheme’ has been included.
The Board of the International Chamber of Shipping announced the appointment of Guy Platten to the role of Secretary General, after almost five years at the UK Chamber of Shipping. Mr. Platten will replace Mr. Peter Hinchliffe in mid-2018.
In its latest report highlighting key issues in the maritime, ICS focused among others on major points on global supply and demand for seafarers, revealing a current global shortage of about 16,500 officers (2.1%), but a surplus of about 119,000 ratings (15.8%).
Ahead of the 2020 sulphur cap, ship operators and oil refiners are preparing for implementation. The oil refining industry has to ensure that sufficient quantities of compliant fuel will be able to be produced. But governments need to monitor this carefully to keep the supply of compliant fuel as tight as possible.
ICS issued a report, highlighting the key issues in which ICS is engaged with regulators and other intergovernmental bodies that impact upon the global industry. These issues include among others the ambitious CO2 reduction objective, the regulation implications of BWM Convention, as well as the 2020 sulphur cap.
The guidance highlights the use of the Maritime Security Transit Corridor, the registration with MSCHOA and reporting to UKMTO, as well as reviewing and updating risk assessments and plans to include new threats.
Leading environmental organisations and global shipping industry players have called for an explicit prohibition on the carriage of non-compliant marine fuels when the 2020 sulphur cap takes effect. In a joint statement, they assert that a carriage ban will help ensure robust, simplified and consistent enforcement of the global sulphur cap.
ICS Chairman, Mr Esben Poulsson, has praised the positive role played by the Chinese Government in supporting the global regulatory framework for merchant shipping provided by IMO, in contrast with the tendency by some other IMO Member States towards adopting unilateral shipping regulations.
Marine bunker suppliers should anticipate that there may no longer be significant demand for fossil fuels from shipping within as little as 25 years, if not sooner, and that the sector is now on an inevitable trajectory towards a future of zero CO2 emissions, ICS noted.
