THE UK Chamber of Shipping is calling for a “green industrial revolution to make the United Kingdom a world leader in developing the green technologies of tomorrow”. Its policy director Anna Ziou said, “We know we can’t do this all by ourselves. Shipping is a global industry which requires global collaboration and global initiatives”.
Last year, IMO countries met in London and reached a milestone agreement to limit carbon emissions from shipping through the adoption of the initial GHG strategy. The IMO is meeting again now to discuss short-term measures that will start delivering on its climate commitment deal by 2023.
The meeting is going to see proposals from countries and organisations, many of which are built on previous submissions ranging from speed restrictions to goal-based approaches, including things like propeller upgrades and innovative paints. Many of these proposals “support setting goals that allow shipowners to make their own choices tailored to their business”, according to the UK Chamber of Shipping.
The Chamber will work with partners and table proposals that would allow “flexibility, a level-paying field, reward early movers and incentivises innovation to help cut emissions”.
The International Chamber of Shipping has submitted a hybrid goal-based approach which combines elements that also address the concerns of ships for which key operational decisions are made by the charterer.
“The Chamber will also continue to push our argument that slow shipping is not the answer to cutting emissions. Whilst much has been made of the possible benefits of slow shipping, we still believe that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work, and slow shipping is not the answer,” Ms Ziou said.
“Ships are at the heart of international trade and if they are forced to slow down, we may need more vessels to transport the goods we need. This would increase carbon emissions which we all want to avoid.”
The Chamber said what is needed is international regulations that encourage innovation and technological advancement to help reduce emissions.
“Last May we had a taster of what is to be discussed, where the majority of the IMO countries expressed their clear support for a goal-based approach.
“There are encouraging signs that the IMO is likely to support a goal-based approach at this session as well. However, it should not prolong indecision but signal at this meeting about the direction of travel,” Ms Ziou said.
