Intercargo backs IMO against shipping inclusion in EU ETS

INTERCARGO expresses its full support and total alignment with IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim’s concerns that including shipping in the European Union’s Emission Trading System (EU-ETS) could undermine efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships on a global basis. These concerns were raised following an agreement on 16 December 2016 by the European Parliament's Environment Committee that emissions from ships should be included in EU-ETS from 2023, if IMO does not deliver a further global measure to reduce GHG emissions for international shipping by 2021. IMO has already approved a responsible roadmap for developing a comprehensive strategy on reducing GHG emissions from ships, through to a 2023 horizon.

Shipping is by definition an international activity and IMO is the appropriate body to address its global challenges. While the agreement of the European Parliament's Committee still needs approval at European higher level, it is disappointing to see, in the face of global and demanding challenges, the demonstration of regional and insufficient thinking.

INTERCARGO has been participating actively in the development of GHG reduction measures at IMO and in close cooperation with the other International Shipping Associations. Moreover, it has always welcomed opportunities to discuss in a climate of understanding with EU officials, last time being in the context of IMO’s 70th Marine Environment Protection Committee in October 2016, when IMO approved by consensus, among other initiatives, the above mentioned roadmap. INTERCARGO has also not failed to remind on any occasion that IMO was first in addressing GHG emissions by adopting as early as 2013 technical and operational requirements for new and existing vessels.