Member states at IMO MEPC 72 adopted the so-called GHG initial strategy, envisaging, for the first time, a reduction in total GHG emissions from global shipping by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008. Ms. Katharine Palmer, Environmental Manager at LR shared her views with respect to this historic agreement, explaining what the sector should expect for the day after.
IMO’s MEPC 72 discussed key environmental issues for global shipping industry on 9-13 April. While global attention was focused on the adoption of initial strategy for the GHG emissions reduction from ships, key themes also included the 2020 sulphur limit, the BWM Convention, HFO use in Arctic, marine litter and biofouling.
The initial strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships that was adopted at IMO MEPC 72 meeting in London last week has received a wide applaud by stakeholders across the maritime industry. The agreement seeks to reduce the total annual GHG emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008.
MEPC 72 in London last week agreed on plans to ban HFO from Arctic shipping, as well as assessing the impact of such a ban. The meeting directed a sub-committee (PPR6) to develop a ban on HFO use and carriage for use by ships in the Arctic, “on the basis of an assessment of the impacts” and “on an appropriate timescale”.
Commenting on the ongoing discussions on a GHG strategy at MEPC 72, Mark Simmonds, Policy Manager at British Ports Association, noted that any agreements reached this week should be implemented by the UK Government in a pragmatic and sensible manner, so that they will not disadvantage any particular region or distort competition.
The Clean Arctic Alliance calls on IMO Member States to discuss a proposal which considers “development of measures to reduce risks of use and carriage of heavy fuel oil as fuel by ships in Arctic waters”.
The international shipping community is watching with great interest discussions at MEPC 72 which started on 9 April in London. The committee is expected to adopt the Initial Greenhouse Gas emission reduction strategy to minimize air pollution, in line with climate goals as defined in Paris Agreement.
The discussions aim to conclude on an Initial Strategy a CO2 emissions reduction target for the sector as well as potential short, mid, and long-term reduction measures. The EU has recently agreed on a position with regard to the negotiations in the IMO on a CO2 emissions reduction target.
IMO is at risk of unresolved conflicts of interest due to shortcomings in its governance, according to a new study by Transparency International. The anti-corruption organisation noted that private shipping-industry concerns could have undue influence over the policymaking process at the IMO, which could impede actions against GHG emissions.
On the sidelines of CMA’s Shipping 2018 earlier in March, Ms. Mayte Medina of USCG said increasing efficiency and reducing cost, increasing environmental concerns and safety are all drivers in the industry’s advancement towards autonomous shipping. As such, IMO must ensure the future regulatory regime is fair and consistent.
