The German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) has revealed that it fully endorses the outcome of the Marine Environment Protection Committee’s (MEPC) 69th session, which mandates the recording of all CO2 emissions from ships.
Held at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) last week (18-22 April) the 69th session resulted in the Committee adopting the mandatory CO2 data collection policy despite some controversy and contention from some delegates.
However, following the Paris Agreement, the maritime industry is determined to make sure its contribution to reducing emissions and mitigating climate change impacts are evident to other industries. This resolution will now require all ships above 5,000 GT to submit data on fuel consumption, distance travelled and the number of operating hours via their respective flag State to the IMO in London who will then evaluate the data.
Ralf Nagel, Chief Executive Officer of the VDR commented: “It’s important first of all to have the CO2 data of all ships collected and analysed by the IMO. Only if we have sound, solid data does the discussion really make sense regarding suitable objectives and measures to reduce the already low CO2 footprint of maritime shipping even further”.
Many delegates supported this notion throughout the plenary sessions, agreeing that before the IMO implements further policies or strategies, it is first important to gather data, analyse it and then use it for decision-making purposes.
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