ESPO Calls on IMO to Uphold 2020 Implementation Date for 0.5% Sulfur Cap

ESPO has issued a call for IMP to take action at MEPC 70.

In advance of the 70th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 70) this month, the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) has issued a call for IMO to align actions for the reduction of shipping's CO2 emissions with the Paris climate agreement, and to uphold the 2020 implementation date for a global 0.5 percent sulfur cap on marine fuels.

While ESPO highlights that emission reduction tools such as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) have already been implemented, the organisation says that more needs to be done at the international level to establish clearly defined emission reduction targets and develop measures to achieve those targets.

"There is no time to waste and it would be unfortunate if the forthcoming MEPC meeting does not deliver towards that direction," said ESPO.

In terms of the 2020 implementation of a global 0.5 percent sulfur cap on marine fuels, ESPO says that the on time implementation will prevent an unlevel playing field between EU and its neighbouring countries.

"Limiting sulfur exhaust emissions can have an enormous impact on the local air quality, and thus mean a big step forward for the maritime and port industry," said ESPO.

"By maintaining 2020, IMO can show that an ambitious greening agenda is possible at global level."

ESPO has joined a number of other organisations in expressing their hopes for the outcomes of MEPC 70, with the Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) yesterday calling on IMO member states to take action to align shipping industry regulations with the climate agreement reached at COP 21 in Paris last year.