MEPC 69: ICS Commends IMO's Progress on CO2 Reporting

ICS Friday commended IMO progress toward the adoption of a global CO2 data collection system at MEPC 69 last week.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Friday commended International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) progress toward the adoption of a global CO2 data collection system at the Marine Environment Protection Committee's (MEPC's) 69th session (MEPC 69) last week.

"Most of the details have been agreed, including the important fact that CO2 reporting will be mandatory. We are confident that the IMO system will be fully adopted at the next MEPC meeting in October," said Peter Hinchliffe, Secretary General for ICS.

"We believe that IMO Member States have agreed an acceptable compromise between governments primarily interested in data on fuel consumption and CO2 and those that wish to collect additional information."

Upon adoption of the CO2 data collection system, ICS says that IMO Member States will be better informed to make decisions on the development of further CO2 reduction measures.

Hinchliffe adds that the next important step is to encourage the European Union (EU) to adjust its own reporting and verification for individual ship emissions to align with what was agreed to at the IMO.

"While this may be an uphill struggle, we have been encouraged by the constructive attitude taken by EU Member States this week, as well as those other nations that initially had concerns about the decision to make the IMO system mandatory," said Hinchliffe.

Ahead of MEPC 69, among other green groups, ICS urged IMO to address key environmental regulations for the shipping industry, including a commitment for CO2 emission reductions, a decision on the implementation of a global cap for sulfur content in bunkers, and the implementation of the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention.