Emissions theme for MEPC

EMISSIONS THEME FOR MEPC

THE secretary general of the World Meteorological Organization is scheduled to address the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) when it meets next week in London.

IMO says Mr Jarraud’s participation in the MEPC, on the invitation of IMO Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos, comes as part of a series of events focusing on environmental issues leading up to World Maritime Day on 27 September which will have the theme “IMO's response to current environmental challenges”. The theme was chosen to give IMO the opportunity to focus on its environmental work (both past and present) and thus intensify its efforts to add the Organization’s contribution to that of the international community to protect and preserve the environment.

Meanwhile the International Chamber of Shipping has set out its position on sevral major topics to be discused next week. The shipowners' body says that it will firmly welcome the Mr Mitropoulos's proposal for a “cross-government industry-scientific working group” to evaluate the strategy to be adopted by IMO for further reducing ships’ air emissions.

ICS says its national shipowners’ associations have strongly encouraged their governments to support this helpful proposal at the important meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee. It says: “At this stage at least, it appears to have been acknowledged that IMO should not opt for a simplistic solution for sulphur emission reductions without a proper analysis of the implications, including, it is hoped, the parallel issue of CO2 emissions.”

It adds: “However, ICS recognises the urgency and political imperative of IMO adopting more stringent air emission standards as soon as possible and no later than Spring 2008 – a point recently underlined by discussions between ICS and the Environment Directorate of the European Commission. To discourage unilateral and regional action – which damages the efficiency of maritime transport - which carries 90% of world trade - the IMO study must be conducted speedily to identify the best practical means for delivering maximum net environmental benefit.”

According to ICS the long term goal of its members, once the technology needed is available, is near zero emissions with regard to air pollution from ships, greatly reduced CO2 emissions, and a neutral overall impact on the environment as a whole. In the meantime, ICS is committed to working with governments, through IMO, to deliver the best possible interim solutions.”

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