Intercargo: inclusion in ETS ignores collaboration calls
(Posted on 22/09/20)
INTERCARGO believes that the inclusion of shipping in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which European lawmakers have recently supported, has ignored their calls and calls from the industry as a whole, for collaboration and adapted solutions to achieve the much needed reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions for greener shipping. Far from being a meaningful contribution towards meeting those objectives, this move is, instead, a confirmation of how distanced the thinking of European decision-makers is from the global dimensions of the shipping sector, said INTERCARGO is a statement.
INTERCARGO (The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners) represents the interests of quality dry bulk shipowners, with close to 2,400 registered ships out of more than 11,000 ships in the global dry bulk fleet, corresponding to over 25% of the global dry bulk fleet basis deadweight.
INTERCARGO’s statement continues: Global challenges and problems require global handling and solutions: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) works to ensure a level playing field globally unlike European or other regional regulations. The latter have proven ineffective, as they create distortions and multi-tier markets, or even trade tensions. A thorough impact assessment on the inclusion of shipping in EU ETS is imperative.
The EU ETS risks causing trade retaliation, an increase in emissions and the decline of European ports. There is a danger that trans-shipment centres will be set up just outside EU borders and served by large, efficient bulk vessels. Smaller, less GHG efficient ships will then transport cargoes to EU ports which will lose efficiencies gained through technology and size. In short, carbon leakage will take place.
The challenge to decarbonise shipping is enormous. IMO’s initial strategy and the adoption of the GHG Roadmap focuses on the implementation of short, medium, and long-term measures. Shipowners have responded responsibly to the challenge by putting forward the USD 5bn R&D fund proposal as a much needed longer-term complementary contribution to set in motion the chain of innovation, investment, production, and adoption by the marketplace of innovative technologies and energy carriers.
“The industry needs fuel/energy suppliers, engine manufacturers, shipbuilders and charterers to achieve IMO’s objectives,” said INTERCARGO Secretary General Kostas Gkonis. “Bringing these key stakeholders aboard has arguably been the greatest challenge for IMO. One more challenge has now been added: changing the thinking of narrow-minded regional decision-makers and persuading them to see the broader picture. The inclusion of shipping in EU ETS is basically a money collection mechanism, fundamentally disconnected from the work at IMO, and risks undermining a global GHG solution.”
Latest News
Former INTERCARGO Chairman, Dr Spyros M Polemis, passes away
(Posted on 24/07/24)INTERCARGO, the association of dry bulk shipping companies, has released the following statement:&ldquo... Read more
Joint study of ammonia fuelled bulk carriers
(Posted on 22/07/24)ITOCHU Corporation, ClassNK, Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd., and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (... Read more
WISTA UK celebrates 50 years of championing diversity and inclusion
(Posted on 22/07/24)The Women's International Shipping & Trading Association UK (WISTA UK) marked its 50th anniversary... Read more
Accidents on ships under scrutiny as InterManager submits statistics to IMO
(Posted on 16/07/24)Accidents onboard ships are not decreasing, according to latest accident statistics submitted to the... Read more
Solutions required for FuelEU Maritime rules compliance, says Columbia
(Posted on 16/07/24)Solutions must be in place to help ship owners with navigating the complex challenges of complying with... Read more
Boers committed to diversity with relocation of Filipino employees to Germany
(Posted on 16/07/24)Diversity and nurturing talent is high on the agenda for BCS Group – Boers Crew Services as it... Read more
INTERCARGO joins industry calls for IMO to amend flaws in CII
(Posted on 12/07/24)With discussions regarding the IMO’s (International Maritime Organization) Carbon Intensity Indicator... Read more
ICS Türkiye branch celebrates its inauguration in Istanbul
(Posted on 12/07/24)The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), the professional body for the commercial shipping industry... Read more
Columbia Group and Crowley forge strategic US alliance
(Posted on 12/07/24)Columbia Group and Crowley have signed a strategic cooperation agreement that broadens both companies... Read more
Inmarsat report advocates data sharing to address preventable incidents
(Posted on 04/07/24)The 2024 edition of The Future of Maritime Safety Report from Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, reveals... Read more
