BPA Comments on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Strategy at IMO

(Posted on 16/04/18)

Commenting on the IMO’s ongoing discussions on a Greenhouse Gas strategy for shipping last week in London, Mark Simmonds, Policy Manager at the British Ports Association, which represents over 100 UK port authorities and operators said:

“Whilst this is primarily an issue for the shipping industry, ports play an important role in providing bunkering and waste reception facilities. Ports will look for a clear and practical strategy that will not disadvantage any particular region or otherwise distort competition.

"Once the MEPC wraps up it is important that any agreements at the IMO this week are implemented by the UK Government in a pragmatic and sensible manner. It is vital that costs do not threaten shipping routes or make certain older ships serving some port markets unviable. It is important that we get this right but at the same time remember that moving freight by sea is still by far the most environmentally-friendly way to facilitate global trade – as well as ensuring our economy continues to function and our food and energy supplies are secure. In comparison with other transport modes shipping is an efficient and environmentally sustainable option.

"On ship to shore power, the costs of installing such infrastructure and requirements on the national and regional electricity grids could be substantial. As an industry we will continue to work with Government on the challenges and viability of this but the evidence suggests it is not a panacea. It is important that the wider issues are tackled by Government and industry collaborating and working towards clear goals with a foundation of firm evidence of what works.”

The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) met in London last week (9-12 April) to determine the initial IMO strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships. Some port-related measures are listed among the short-term support actions to achieve the objectives and include the provision shore-side/on-shore power supply from renewable sources, infrastructure to support supply of alternative low carbon and zero-carbon fuels as well as further optimisation of the logistic chain and its planning, including ports.

Latest News

Rhenus becomes majority shareholder of Bulk Cargo – Port Szczecin

Germany based Rhenus Group has acquired an additional 58,5 percent of shares in the Polish port operation... Read more

AD Ports closes strong year of growth

AD Ports Group has solidified its position as a leading facilitator of global trade and logistics through... Read more

Mukran Port starts 2025 with new management

Mukran Port has welcomed Henry Forster as the new Managing Director of Faehrhafen Sassnitz GmbH. Ines... Read more

EIB provides €80m loan for Bilbao expansion and electrification

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed an €80 million loan with the Port Authority of Bilbao... Read more

Steel supplier Outokumpu invests €40m at Mukran Port

Mukran Port on the island of Rügen, Germany, has gained a strategically important partner for the... Read more

AD Ports consolidates digital capabilities into Maqta Technologies Group

Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group a leading enabler of global trade, logistics, and industry, has announced... Read more

Haivanship expands operations into northern Vietnam

Leading Vietnamese maritime-logistics operator Haivanship (HVS) is growing its Konecranes fleet with... Read more

Ghent boosts bulk handling with a Gen 6 Konecranes Gottwald MHC

Euroports Group is set to strengthen its bulk handling capacity at North Sea Port (Ghent) with the addition... Read more

Europe’s first fully electric tug delivered to Antwerp-Bruges

Damen Shipyards Group has delivered six RSD Tugs 2513 to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium. The... Read more

Hamburg bulks show mixed trends

Throughput of bulk cargo at the Port of Hamburg has experienced a slight recovery over the course of... Read more