The
European Union is pushing for an ambitious global emission reduction objective
for the maritime shipping sector to meet the bloc’s climate objectives that
fall into line with the Paris Agreement.
European
Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc attended on April 9 the kick-off of a week
of important talks in London as part of the International Maritime Organisation
(IMO) – the United Nations’ specialised agency charged with guaranteeing secure
and environmentally-friendly shipping.
The Marine
Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is meeting until April 13 and is
expected to adopt an initial strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from
international shipping.
The
European Union and its Member States plan to advocate for an ambitious global
emission reduction objective for the sector that is consistent with the goals
set by the Paris Agreement and with the Commission’s Communication “the Road
from Paris,” the European Executive said.
The EU is
fully committed to stepping up its climate diplomacy and collaboration with
other partners in order to capitalise on the momentum generated from the
implementation of the Paris agreement.
Bulc
conveyed position to the EU’s IMO Secretary-General Ki-Tack Lim, MEPC Chairman
Hideaki Saito, as well as with state parties, industry and non-governmental
organisations, the Commission said. In addition to the climate change
mitigation, the MEPC will also address, among other items, issues related to
the energy efficiency of ships and the reduction of Sulphur content in marine
fuels.
According
to the IMO, estimates say a ship’s energy consumption and CO2 emissions can be
reduced by up to 75% by applying operational measures and implementing existing
technologies. The technologies needed to improve energy efficiency have the
ability to lower the carbon footprint in the maritime sector.
https://www.neweurope.eu/article/eu-un-agency-aim-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions-shipping/