The IMO Secretary-General Mr. Kitack Lim officially opened the much anticipated 70th session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee’s (MEPC’s) giving his nod of confidence to the committee’s efforts.
Mr Lim spoke of the need to look beyond IMO’s day-today functions and talk about what the future of the organisation might be like, “particularly in a more cohesive and connected scheme of global ocean governance”.
He also spoke of the wider challenges that exist and how future growth can be achieved sustainably, ensuring that globalisation is a positive force for everyone and not just for a those privileged.
Addressing how the IMO can fit into this broader picture, Mr Lim voiced the IMO’s support for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and stated that ensuring a balance is key, with long-term strategies focussed on “sustainable economic growth through oceans-related sectors and activities, while at the same time improving human wellbeing, social equity and preserving the environment.”
Speaking of the Ballast Water Management Convention, Mr Lim hailed the recent ratification a “milestone for the health of our oceans” and spoke of the development of a Roadmap to ensure that early movers are not penalised once the Convention enters into force next September. This week the finalisation of the adoption of the revised Guidelines for the approval of ballast water management systems will take place.
Mr Lim then addressed the Paris Agreement, commenting on the progress that has been made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the results of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), which has led to over 1,900 ships now certified as complying with the new standards.
The next step to be considered at MEPC 70 is the adoption of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI on mandatory requirements for ships to record and report data on their fuel consumption together with additional data on proxies for the “transport work” undertaken by the ship. Mr Lim stated: “I trust that with the diligent assistance of the drafting group, the Committee will successfully complete the final editing of the draft amendments and look forward to their adoption later this week, sending a clear and positive signal about the Organization’s continuing commitment to climate change mitigation.”
Mr Lim also spoke of the global sulphur cap implementation and the chance for MEPC 70 to make a decision on either a 2020 or 2025 enforcement date.
Other items on the agenda were also mentioned by Mr Lim, including the proposal to designate the Baltic Sea and North Sea as nitrogen oxides (NOx) Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
Mr Lim drew his opening speech to a close with a note of confidence, stating to the Committee that “with your unswerving commitment to promote the cause of a clean, green and healthy environment, and with the customary IMO spirit of cooperation, you will succeed in all your objectives and make the sound, balanced and timely decisions that have been the Committee’s hallmark of success over the years.”
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