The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee has already developed a package of measures for reducing shipping’s CO2 emissions, with an agreed timetable for adoption.  Inter alia, these include:

Development of a system of energy efficiency design indexing for new ships (similar in concept to the ratings applied to cars and electrical appliances)

A template for a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for use by all ships.  The SEEMP allows companies and ships to monitor and improve performance with regard to various factors that may contribute to CO2 emissions.  These include, inter alia: improved voyage planning; speed management; weather routeing; optimising engine power, use of rudders and propellers; hull maintenance and use of different fuel types.    

The ingredients for possible economic measures that could be applied globally to shipping in order to encourage emission reductions.

Governments at IMO have also agreed key principles for the development of regulations on CO2 from ships so that they will:

1. Effectively reduce CO2 emissions

2. Be binding and include all flag states

3. Be cost effective

4. Not distort competition

5. Be based on sustainable development without restricting trade and growth

6. Be goal-based and not prescribe particular methods

7. Stimulate technical research and development in the entire maritime sector

8. Take into account new technology.

9. Be practical, transparent, free of fraud and easy to administer

The international shipping industry fully subscribes to these principles.

This site has been developed by the International Chamber of Shipping
12 Carthusian Street  London  EC1M 6EZ      Tel: + 44 20 7417 8844      ics@marisec.org