ICS calls for short term C02 reduction measures

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) called for the adoption of global regulations mandating short term CO2 reduction measures at the next International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) session in 2020.

The proposal supports measures by which shipowners would have to demonstrate that they are doing "absolutely everything possible" to curtail fuel consumption and therefore emissions. ICS chairman Esben Poulsson said the ICS proposal supports IMO leadership on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and aims to incentivise shipowners to take action.

The core of the proposal is based on the IMO's Super Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan. Compliance would be enforced through flag state audits. The proposal does not intend to displace or challenge the consideration of other ideas such as speed limits and other CO2 reduction technologies. The trade body also said that the development of "zero-carbon" fuels and propulsion systems will be essential to achieve the IMO's target of cutting GHG emissions by 50pc by 2050.

The association also reiterated its intention to revise the guidance to shipowners in complying with the IMO 2020 sulphur cap regulation. One of its outstanding concerns remained the continuing delays with the publication of the latest Publicly Available Specification for low sulphur fuels by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO).

Poulsson added that it is vital for governments, oil producers, bunkers suppliers and the ISO to "redouble their efforts to ensure that safe and compatible fuels — including 0.5pc blends — will be available in every port worldwide."