IMO the Only Place for Global Debate on Shipping Emissions, Says IMO Secretary General

International Maritime Organization Secretary General Koji Sekimizu has issued a robust name that any dialogue on delivery’s contribution to international CO2 emissions should be held on the IMO, not left to particular person governments which may be tempted to think about particular measures geared toward decreasing delivery’s total contribution of CO2 emissions.

Sekimizu name comes forward of key negotiations amongst world leaders on local weather change in Bonn and Paris later this yr.

In a press release issued throughout a convention in Singapore this week, Sekimizu reiterated his view that IMO is the one place the place the talk over delivery and local weather change ought to be taken ahead, given the massive influence the trade has on the worldwide economic system and its distinctive worldwide construction.

Sekimizu pointed to IMO’s confirmed observe report in growing measures to cut back greenhouse fuel emissions from delivery and mitigate its contribution to local weather change, such because the 1997 adoption of the Protocol to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, generally known as MARPOL Annex VI, and ammendments that adopted.

Thanks to IMO, Sekimizu mentioned, delivery is up to now the one worldwide trade or enterprise sector already working underneath obligatory laws to cut back emissions over time.

“But who should decide on such measures and where should this be done?” Sekimizu requested. “Clearly, this is a matter that must be addressed by Governments – and by Governments prepared to behave collectively, in a spirit of cooperation. Historically, debate amongst Governments about delivery, be it technical, operational or fiscal, has taken place inside IMO, the place the character of, and influence on, the delivery trade is finest understood.

“And I consider IMO is the one place to take this debate ahead, too. Indeed, this was already recognised within the Kyoto Protocol, the place IMO was designated because the company to take care of greenhouse fuel emissions from delivery – a accountability that it has diligently and efficiently undertaken.

“But, whatever world leaders decide with regard to shipping during the forthcoming climate change negotiations, they must first carefully consider the impact of those decisions in light of the enormous contribution that shipping makes to the world economy.”

Sekimizu concluded: “IMO has a solid track record of solving problems with complex multinational dimensions. For decades, by developing measures that are applied universally to the world’s most international of industries, IMO has served global society well. As its record to date so clearly demonstrates, it should be entrusted to continue that work when it comes to addressing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.”