International approach needed to reduce shipping emissions

Yesterday saw the meeting of the European Vice-President Siim Kallas and Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard with the shipping industry, Member States and the European Parliament where it was discussed and debated how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry. Short, medium and long term solutions were discussed and the need for a uniformed, international approach was recognised as the most important factor in moving forwards.

The EU has famously committed itself to reducing total greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% across all sectors by 2020. At which time (2008), there was no international agreement on the inclusion of the international maritime emissions and it was made clear that if no formal legislation was in place by the end of 2011, the Commission should make a proposal to include these in the EU reduction commitment.

Vice-President Kallas said: "We have recognised in our White Paper on Transport that shipping must contribute to our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For a global sector such as maritime transport, measures which are the most environmentally effective and make economic sense can best be achieved through the IMO. The EU will continue its efforts to achieve an international solution. We look forward to working together with other countries, regions and organisations to tackle this challenge successfully without delay."

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) – is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. The IMO have called for the adoption of their ‘Energy Efficient Design Index’ at the next meeting of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee in July. The index contains technical requirements to improve the design of new ships in order to reduce both their fuel consumption and emissions. The adoption of the index would give a positive signal that international negotiations at IMO can deliver concrete contributions to combating climate change.

Commissioner Hedegaard said: "It is high time for an agreement in the International Maritime Organisation. Much as we prefer a global solution, the Member States and the European Parliament have asked the Commission to present a possible proposal to reduce shipping emissions for 2012 in the case that the IMO fails to find a solution. Today's meeting is a part of the necessary engagement to move forward".

Published: Wednesday, 29th June 2011 by Adelle Kehoe