The development of an industry response to the high-level political demand for ships to reduce their CO₂  emissions is gaining considerable momentum, and is probably the most pressing challenge for ICS members, with regard to agreeing what might be practical and feasible.  

The CO₂ debate is being addressed at various levels but, notwithstanding the ongoing discussions about a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol (a plan for which was agreed at the UN Bali Conference in December), the main forum for maritime discussion remains the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO).  IMO has accelerated its timetable for producing proposals for addressing ships’ CO₂  for delivery by 2009. 

The debate is fast moving, but the following explains the current position of ICS and the international shipping industry on this complex issue.

• ICS/European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) position paper on shipping and climate change  

• ICS/industry submission to IMO concerning reduction of CO2 emissions by new ships 

• ICS/industry submission to IMO concerning reduction of CO2 emissions by existing ships  

• ICS submission to (OECD) International Transport Forum of world transport ministers