- IMO Agrees on GHG Reduction Plan; INTERCARGO Cautions Against Complexity.
- INTERCARGO Urges Simplicity as IMO Takes Major Step Toward Decarbonisation.
- Dry Bulk Sector Calls for Practical GHG Solutions After IMO Breakthrough.
At last week’s historic MEPC 83 meeting, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States took ownership and agreed on a medium-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measure. The move is a major step, although it goes against the levy-based approach that INTERCARGO and other industry stakeholders have advocated for long, reports Intercargo.
INTERCARGO Raises Concerns Over Complexity
INTERCARGO Secretary General, Kostas Gkonis, expressed concern regarding the direction taken: “INTERCARGO is concerned about the complexity of the measure taken forward by IMO, disregarding calls for a simple, practical and therefore predictable, enforceable, and effective approach.” Despite this, INTERCARGO emphasised its ongoing support for the IMO process.
Ongoing Commitment to Global Collaboration
Dr Gkonis continued: “Despite these challenges, our Association remains committed to supporting the IMO process and its implementation. We will make every effort to help the industry progress toward the fair and practical transition required for international shipping and the dry bulk sector.”
Advocacy for Global, Practical Solutions
INTERCARGO reiterated the call for open and administratively straightforward global measures, especially to assist the many small and medium-sized enterprises that are the backbone of the maritime sector. The Association warned against piecemeal regional solutions that would stifle concerted progress.
Support for IMO’s Decarbonisation Goals
While expressing reservations, INTERCARGO acknowledged the significance of the decision: “Nevertheless, INTERCARGO welcomes the progress made by Member States in reaching a decision at IMO.”
As the leading voice of the dry bulk shipping sector—representing the largest fleet by number of vessels and deadweight tonnage—INTERCARGO reiterated its commitment to supporting IMO’s decarbonisation efforts: “As the voice of the dry bulk shipping sector—the largest by number of vessels and deadweight tonnage, with bulk carriers serving as the backbone of international tramp shipping—INTERCARGO remains committed to supporting the IMO’s efforts toward a just and effective energy transition.”
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Source: Intercargo
