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ICCL News Release Archives
Shipping Industry Commits to Improvement in Atmospheric Pollution Standards
LONDON (March 30, 2006) - In an important submission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the global shipping industry has conveyed its strong commitment to the revision of atmospheric pollution standards contained in Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). The submission has been made by the Round Table of international shipping associations (BIMCO, Intercargo, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and Intertanko) and the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL).
The industry has expressed support, in principle, for the consideration of proposals by Norway to address the sulphur content of marine fuel used globally and in Sulphur Emission Control Areas. The industry keeps an open mind to discuss possible additional measures to introduce more stringent global controls on Nitrogen Oxide emissions by ships and on the need to address emissions of particulate matter. However, the industry's overall support for entertaining these proposals is conditional upon IMO adhering to certain principles as it begins the complex task of bringing about further improvements to shipping's environmental performance, following the entry into force of MARPOL Annex VI, in May 2005.
The shipping industry has actively encouraged the early ratification by governments of MARPOL Annex VI, in the full knowledge that it would be re-opened for amendment due to the improving air pollution record of shore based transport and the perception, correct or otherwise, that shipping is falling behind. The IMO review could have a major impact on safety of operations, fuel costs, engine design, and even the long term commercial viability of many ships.
The industry has therefore stated that as IMO review progresses, any new requirements must be justified through scientific study of environmental need and operational safety procedures. In co-operation with oil suppliers, IMO must also satisfy itself that any new fuels required will be available globally, and that any solutions adopted use technology that has actually been developed, tested and proven to be reliable to an extent that ship crews are not left with unsafe new technologies.
The industry does not want to see a repetition of the situation that emerged with controls on ballast water where regulations have been adopted for political reasons before the new methods required by the rules are actually proven.
Where the environmental need is justified, and despite the potential economic costs, the industry is willing to consider proposals that could require existing ships to make modifications to their propulsion systems. However, shipowners will need a clear long term framework for change that takes full account of the current life expectancy of ships. If there are significant limitations to what can be realistically achieved then `grandfathering' arrangements may need to be sought in some areas.
For further information, please contact:
ICCL
Christine Fischer cfischer@iccl.org
Tel: +1 703 522 8463
BIMCO
Peter Grube pg@bimco.dk
Tel : +45 44 36 6800
ICS
Simon Bennett simon.bennett@marisec.org
Tel : +44 20 7417 2857
INTERCARGO
Rob Lomas rob.lomas@intercargo.org
Tel : +44 20 7977 7030
INTERTANKO
Bill Box bill.box@intertanko.com
Tel : +44 20 7977 7010
NOTES: The IMO Sub-Committee on Bulk Liquids and Gases will discuss the review of MARPOL Annex VI, and the shipping industry submission, between 3-7 April 2006.
Click here to view the industry submission to IMO.
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