Shipping Industry Organisations Call on IMO for Comprehensive GHG Strategy for Shipping

WSC, BIMCO, and IPTA have filed a proposal to the IMO for a comprehensive GHG Strategy. Image: WSC

The World Shipping Council (WSC) has announced that, along with BIMCO and the International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA), it has filed a proposal for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to consider the development of a comprehensive Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy for shipping.

Specifically, the proposal calls for a set of "ambitious" objectives to be included in the GHG strategy, the establishment of a maritime research and development programme to develop new technologies to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the sector, and an investment programme designed to stimulate energy efficiency improvements across the existing fleet.

"Many Member States have argued that IMO must establish a quantitative greenhouse gas reduction target for international shipping. We share the view that IMO should provide a long-term vision for the sector on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but question whether IMO should solely focus its efforts on defining a target," said the organisations in the proposal.

"Rather, the co-sponsors propose that IMO develop a long-term strategy to address greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping (long-term strategy). The process of developing a long-term strategy would include discussions of a long-term target, but its primary focus would be to provide tangible outputs to guide near- and long-term action and investments throughout the sector."

The proposal calls on IMO to establish an International Maritime Research Board (IMRB) with a mandate to direct and fund research and development of new and improved marine propulsion systems, electric generation plants, fuels, and ship design.

In addition, the proposal suggest the regular review and modification of EEDI standards to "promote the introduction of increasingly carbon-efficient tonnage in the maritime fleet," and efforts to reduce the existing fleet's emissions through investments in efficiency-enhancing technology.

"The objectives and the strategy should be subject to a comprehensive review ten years after its final adoption. The IMO review in 2033 would take full account of progress made in the development of low carbon fuels, propulsion technology and other relevant technology as well as developments in maritime trade," stated the proposal.

Yesterday, Ship & Bunker reported that Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of IMO said Port State Control (PSC) is a "vital part" of enforcement of IMO regulations on shipping.