Ports welcome IMO energy efficiency measures - Maritime Journal

Posted July 28, 2011 - Maritime Journal

The first ever mandatory energy efficiency measures for international shipping, Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), were adopted last week.
The breakthrough came at the 62nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) held in London.
The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) are newly incorporated into the MARPOL Annex VI regulations, adding a new chapter 4 ‘Regulations on Energy Efficiency for Ships’. Both measures of EEDI and SEEMP are expected to enter into force on 1 January, 2013, to be applied to ships of 400 gross tonnage and over.
As a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) of worldwide ports that collaborate and provide input to the IMO, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) welcomed the IMO’s actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping.
“IAPH and its member base of approximately 200 ports worldwide welcomes and supports these significant policy developments by the International Maritime Organization, said IAPH President Geraldine Knatz, executive director of the Port of Los Angles. “These measures, coupled with global air quality improvement initiatives like the IAPH World Ports Climate Initiative (WPCI) and Environment Ship Index (ESI), demonstrate how we can collaborate at the port to port technical level, and at the international regulatory level, to achieve greater greenhouse gas emissions reduction in the international shipping industry.”

Complete Post at:
http://www.maritimejournal.com/features101/tugs,-towing,-pollution-and-salvage/pollution-control/ports-welcome-imo-energy-efficiency-measures

Federal Appeals Court Rejects Attack on Great Lakes States' Ballast Water Standards - Switchboard - NRDC

Posted - July 26, 2011 - Thom Cmar’s Blog

On Friday, we won another legal battle in the fight to bring protective ballast water standards to the Great Lakes! The federal appeals court in Washington, DC denied a legal challenge by ports and shipping interests to U.S. EPA’s Clean Water Act Vessel General Permit. The industry was challenging the permit because it incorporated state ballast water standards, such as those developed by California, New York, and Michigan, that are more stringent than inadequate federal and international standards. Many states have created their own ballast water requirements because they found that stronger protections were necessary to prevent further harm to their waters from invasive species dumped in vessels’ ballast water.
NRDC joined with three other environmental groups to intervene alongside EPA to help the agency successfully defend its Clean Water Act permit from the shipping industry challenge. In its decision on Friday, the D.C. Circuit held that the Clean Water Act plainly provides states with the authority to create such conditions on a federal permit to protect their water quality standards and requires EPA to incorporate them into the permit. The court rejected each of the industry’s procedural objections to EPA’s permitting process as meritless.

Complete Post at:
http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/tcmar/federal_appeals_court_rejects.html

IMO Adopts Mandatory Energy Efficiency Standards - Hellenic Shipping News

Posted - Wednesday, 27 July 2011 - Hellenic Shipping News

The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted mandatory measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse
gases (GHGs) from international shipping, when it met recently at IMO headquarters in London. The 15 July decision marks the first ever mandatory global greenhouse gas reduction regime for an international industry sector.
Shipping currently represents about three percent of global emissions, while transporting approximately 85 percent of goods traded internationally. While shipping is a relatively efficient mode of transport, the size of the sector means that it emits high quantities of greenhouse gases.
The amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) add a new chapter on energy efficiency regulation for ships. The chapter makes the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) mandatory for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) mandatory for all ships. The regulations are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2013.
The result shows a major turnaround since negotiations in October saw parties unable to reach consensus on whether the EEDI should be mandatory for both developed and developing countries. (See Bridges Trade BioRes, 11 October 2010). The IMO and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) have both been tasked by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) with developing their own mechanisms for reducing carbon emissions. However, both the IMO and ICAO do not utilize the UNFCCC principle of common but differentiated responsibility, which places the greater part of the burden of emissions reductions on developed countries.

Complete Post at:
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=37771:imo-adopts-mandatory-energy-efficiency-standards-&catid=44:latest-news&Itemid=64

IMO's New Deal Has No CO2 Emission Reduction Target - Hellenic Shipping News

Posted July 23, 2011 - Hellenic Shipping News

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) last Friday agreed to force energy efficiency design standards on new ships from 2013, but the deal did not contain CO2 emissions reduction targets.
It also did not make any move on carbon trading, or on taxing the heavily-polluting bunker fuels used by most ships. This is eventually expected to slow rather than reduce the growth of maritime CO2 pollution.
48 countries voted in favor of adopting a mandatory energy-efficiency design index (EEDI) for new ships at a meeting of the IMO's marine environment protection committee in London on Friday. Five were against and 12 abstained, according to reports.
The measures are now enshrined in Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention covering air pollution from ships and are binding on all 180 member states of IMO.
IMO is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.
The EEDI will force new ships to meet a minimum level of energy efficiency. This means that ships built between 2015 and 2019 will need to improve their efficiency by 10 percent, which will graduate to 20 percent between 2020 and 2024 and 30 percent for ships delivered after 2024. Under the deal, each new vessel over 400 gross tonnes ordered from 1 January 2013, would require a survey of fuel efficiency and have an International Energy Efficiency Certificate issued.

Complete Post at:
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=37145:imos-new-deal-has-no-co2-emission-reduction-target&catid=44:latest-news&Itemid=64

UN Shipping Group Moves on Vessel Emission Reductions - TriplePundit

Posted - July 21st, 2011 - By Bill DiBenedetto

An International Maritime Organization panel adopted what it calls mandatory design and operational measures to reduce greenhouse gases from international shipping.
According to the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee, which has met 62 times on this issue, this month’s action is the “first ever mandatory greenhouse gas reduction regime for an international industry sector.”
It sounds impressive but it has taken years to get this point and lots of work and unresolved issues still remain. The agreement by 55 of the world’s largest shipping nations was adopted by the MEPC this month.
IMO is the United Nations agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.
The measures will mandate an efficiency rating system known in UN-speak as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships.
Under EEDI, each new vessel over 400 gross tons ordered from January 1, 2013, would require a survey of fuel efficiency and have an International Energy Efficiency Certificate issued. Under SEEMP, new and existing ships will have to keep on board a ship-specific energy use management plan during operation.
The EEDI is a performance-based mechanism that leaves the choice of technologies to use in a specific ship design to the industry. As long as the required energy-efficiency level is attained, ship designers and builders are free to use the most cost-efficient solutions for the ship to comply with the regulations.
The 2013 effective date could slide however because the IMO says the regulations “are expected to enter into force” on that date. The fine print also provides a waiver mechanism for compliance with the EEDI requirements, a victory for developing countries. Those nations, led by China, Saudi Arabia, India and Brazil, will be allowed to apply for a waiver that would delay application of new ship construction standards in their jurisdiction for up to five years. This could lead to significant weakening of the impact of EEDI as ship owners based anywhere could choose to flag new vessels in a developing country that applies the waiver.

Posted Located at:
http://www.triplepundit.com/2011/07/shipping-group-moves-vessel-emission-reductions/

Greener Fuel for Ships Project Supported by EU - hellenicshippingnews.com

Posted - July 22, 2011 - hellenicshippingnews.com

The European Union will support with almost €10 million a study to analyse the possibilities of switching to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion in the shipping industry in order to improve theenvironmental performance of the sector. The grant, which comes from the 2010 TEN-T Multi-Annual Call, will be used to draft a feasibility study to create a network of LNG filling stations for ships, coupled with a pilot to convert two vessels to LNG propulsion.
The study, which fully complies fully with the EU’s strategy for the Baltic Sea region and contributes to the realisation of TEN-T Priority Project 21 (Motorways of the Sea), extends from the Baltic Sea to the North Sea and the English Channel.
It involves LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) filling station infrastructure as well as a full scale pilot action as the main components of the project. The study aims at creating a strategic decision paper relevant for central stakeholders to develop framework conditions for the use of LNG for ships. The pilot, on the other hand, will see the modification of two vessels to a LNG propulsion system, a more environmentally friendly system, in line with the recent requirements of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for Northern Europe.
The pilot action will be followed by an extensive measurement programme for validating its environmental and climate benefits. LNG contains no sulphur and emits 90% less NOx than traditional fuels and CO2 can be reduced by up to 25%.
The lessons learnt from the project are foreseen to have a wider benefit for other geographical areas within the EU, demonstrating that LNG propulsion is a viable fuel solution for large vessels. Source: Mar–Ex News

Post at:
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36913:greener-fuel-for-ships-project-supported-by-eu-&catid=44:latest-news&Itemid=64

Commission welcomes the International Maritime Organization agreement to tackle CO2 emissions - European Commission - Press release

Posted - July 15, 2011 - Reference: IP/11/895 European Commission - Press release

Brussels, 15 July 2011 - The European Commission congratulates the International Maritime Organization and its Member States on this first and major achievement on a technical measure to limit CO2 emissions from international maritime transport - the adoption of the Energy Efficiency Design Index. It is the first globally binding measure to improve energy efficiency of new ships and limit CO2 emissions from international maritime transport.
The newly adopted Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) sets technical standards for improving the energy efficiency of certain categories of new ships which will, in turn, lead to less CO2 emissions – approximately 25-30% reductions by 2030 compared to Business as Usual (BAU). The EEDI will become mandatory from 2015, and will require a minimum energy efficiency level for different ship types and sizes. The EEDI will be applied to the largest segments of the world merchant fleet, and is expected to cover as much as 70% of emissions from new ships.
"I am very pleased by the adoption of EEDI at the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee today. This is a very important signal that the maritime community is taking seriously its role in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I want to thank the EU Member States for their efforts in making this happen and our international partners for joining us in finding global solutions to global problems. I look forward to building on this achievement in the future", said Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas, responsible for Transport.
Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard said: " This is a very positive and important first step for a truly global, binding measure to reduce CO2 emissions. I am glad that it covers new ships and such a large segment of the world merchant fleet. I also hope this momentum will help the ongoing debate on further reducing emissions from international maritime transport. Europe remains fully committed to keep addressing this issue at all levels and international fora''
Ships' CO2 emissions are directly proportional to its fuel consumption, with, on average, 3.1 tonnes of CO2 being released from each tonne of fuel burnt. The EEDI will require, in the first phase (2015-2019) an efficiency improvement of 10% and will be tightened every five years, to keep pace with technological development and reduction measures. Through its decision today, the IMO has set reduction rates until the period 2025 to 2030 when a 30% reduction in energy consumption is mandated for most ship types calculated from a baseline representing the average efficiency for ships built between 1999 and 2009.
Meanwhile, progress at IMO on agreeing market-based measures needs to be pursued The EU and its Member States expects the IMO to deliver the necessary further measures to tackle CO2 emissions.
Shipping currently represents about 3% of global emissions, while transporting approximately 85% of goods traded internationally. The EU recognizes that shipping is an efficient mode of transport but the size of the sector means it emits high quantities of greenhouse gases, and their emissions are expected to more than double by 2050 if no action is taken. In its recent White Paper on Transport, the Commission proposed to reduce emissions from EU shipping by at least 40% by 2050 compared to 2005 levels.

For more information on the EU's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping see

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/transport/shipping/index_en.htm.

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/895&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Mandatory energy efficiency measures for international shipping adopted at IMO environment meeting - Hellenic Shipping Worldwide

Posted - July 18. 2011 - Hellenic Shipping Worldwide

Mandatory measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from international shipping were adopted by Parties to MARPOL Annex VI represented in the Marine Environment

Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), when it met for its 62nd session from 11 to 15 July 2011 at IMO Headquarters in London, representing the first ever mandatory global greenhouse gas reduction regime for an international industry sector.
The amendments to MARPOL Annex VI Regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships, add a new chapter 4 to Annex VI on Regulations on energy efficiency for ships to make mandatory the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships. Other amendments to Annex VI add new definitions and the requirements for survey and certification, including the format for the International Energy Efficiency Certificate.

The regulations apply to all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above and are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2013.

However, under regulation 19, the Administration may waive the requirement for new ships of 400 gross tonnage and above from complying with the EEDI requirements. This waiver may not be applied to ships above 400 gross tonnage for which the building contract is placed four years after the entry into force date of chapter 4; the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction four years and six months after the entry into force; the delivery of which is after six years and six months after the entry into force; or in cases of the major conversion of a new or existing ship, four years after the entry into force date.
The EEDI is a non-prescriptive, performance-based mechanism that leaves the choice of technologies to use in a specific ship design to the industry. As long as the required energy-efficiency level is attained, ship designers and builders would be free to use the most cost-efficient solutions for the ship to comply with the regulations.

The SEEMP establishes a mechanism for operators to improve the energy efficiency of ships.

Promotion of technical co-operation:

The new chapter includes a regulation on Promotion of technical co-operation and transfer of technology relating to the improvement of energy efficiency of ships, which requires Administrations, in co-operation with IMO and other international bodies, to promote and provide, as appropriate, support directly or through IMO to States, especially developing States, that request technical assistance.
It also requires the Administration of a Party to co-operate actively with other Parties, subject to its national laws, regulations and policies, to promote the development and transfer of technology and exchange of information to States, which request technical assistance, particularly developing States, in respect of the implementation of measures to fulfil the requirements of Chapter 4.

Work plan agreed

Complete Post at:
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=36013:mandatory-energy-efficiency-measures-for-international-shipping-adopted-at-imo-environment-meeting&catid=46:top-story-b&Itemid=151

SAB Final Review Of Ballast Water Treatment Systems - Great Lakes Environmental

Posted on - July 13, 2011 - Great Lakes Environmental - Waste Information & Management Services, Inc. (WIMS)

Jul 12: U.S. EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) has issued its finalized advisory report -- Efficacy of Ballast Water Treatment Systems -- responding to a request from the Agency's Office of Water (OW) [See WIMS 5/24/11]. OW requested SAB to provide advice on technologies and systems to minimize the impacts of invasive species in vessel ballast water discharge. Vessel ballast water discharges are a major source of non-indigenous species introductions to marine, estuarine, and freshwater ecosystems of the United States.
Ballast water discharges are regulated by the EPA under authority of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) under authority of the National Invasive Species Act (NISA). At present, Federal requirements for managing ballast water discharges rely primarily on ballast water exchange; however changes to federal ballast water regulations are under consideration. On August 28, 2009, the USCG proposed revising their existing rules to establish numeric concentration-based limits for live organisms in ballast water. The proposed rule would initially require compliance with a "Phase 1 standard" that has the same concentration limits as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) D-2 standard and subsequently require compliance with a more stringent "Phase 2 standard." EPA's existing CWA general permit for vessels will expire on Dec. 19, 2013. In its revisions to the vessel general permit, the EPA is considering numeric standards that limit the number of live organisms in discharged ballast water.
To prepare the report, the SAB Panel reviewed a "Background and Issues Paper" prepared by OW and USCG (June 2010) as well as information on 51 existing or developmental ballast water management systems (BWMS) provided by OW and the public, although detailed data were available for only 15 BWMS.

Complete Posting at:
http://greatlakesenvironment.blogspot.com/2011/07/sab-final-review-of-ballast-water.html

Shipping industry launches "Virtual Arrival" to save fuel, cut emissions - Renewable Energy Magazine

Posted on - July 13, 2011 - Toby Price - Renewable Energy Magazine

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the industry forum, Intertanko, recently launched the concept of Virtual Arrival in Brussels in the presence of Siim Kallas, EU Commissioner for Transport, and Mary Veronica Tovsak Pleterski, Director of the European and International Carbon Markets DG Climate Change with the EU Commission.

Shipping industry launches "Virtual Arrival" to save fuel, cut emissions

Several international maritime associations have launched a system to reduce shipping emissions by moderating the speed at which ships arrive to a port when a delay is envisaged. The system known as "Virtual Arrival" has been developed with the support of the European Union (EU) and aims to reduce emissions by 40% in 2050.
In the past, shipping operators have always taken a 'hurry up and wait' approach, whereby vessels would go full steam ahead to meet a pre-arranged schedule, which often resulted in vessels arriving early and having to moor up at port to wait for berthing slots.

Just-in-time arrivals

The Virtual Arrival process, however, analyses weather patterns and uses algorithms to calculate and agree a notional vessel arrival time, so that ships arrive 'just in time'. It involves a system that connects ships with their port of arrival enabling them to be slowed down when there is a delay to ensure they do not arrive before their allotted slot. This new approach reduces bunker fuel consumption and emissions, while easing congestion and enhancing safety.
Furthermore, waiting time compensation, or what is known as 'demurrage', is calculated as if the vessel had arrived at the originally stipulated time, hence the name Virtual Arrival. After the voyage, any savings in bunker costs or carbon credits are calculated and shared between the counterparties. Aside from the cost savings, Virtual Arrival could also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by millions of tonnes if adopted widely.

Complete Story at:
http://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/energias/renovables/index/pag/energy_saving/colleft/colright/energy_saving/tip/articulo/pagid/16330/botid/52/

IMO set to adopt measures on cutting ships' gas emissions - Manila Bulletin Websites and Publications

Posted - July 13, 2011 - EDU LOPEZ - Manila Bulletin Websites and Publications

MANILA, Philippines — The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is considering the adoption of the mandatory measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping.
Also high on the agenda this week is the consideration of amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) to designate a new United States Caribbean sea area emission control area; designate the Baltic Sea as a special area with respect to pollution by sewage from ships; and to adopt a revised Annex V related to control of garbage.
The MEPC will also discuss issues relating to the implementation of the ship recycling and ballast water management conventions and consider the adoption of new guidelines on bio-fouling.
At the request of a number of states party to MARPOL Annex VI Regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships, the MEPC will be invited to consider proposed amendments to Annex VI to make mandatory the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). Both have already been disseminated via MEPC Circulars for voluntary use.
The EEDI is a non-prescriptive, performance-based mechanism that leaves the choice of technologies to use in a specific ship design to the industry.
As long as the required energy-efficiency level is attained, ship designers and builders would be free to use the most cost-efficient solutions for the ship to comply with the regulations.
The SEEMP establishes a mechanism for operators to improve the energy efficiency of ships.
The committee will also consider the report of a meeting of the working group on GHG emissions from ships, which met in March 2011 to consider suitable market-based measures (MBMs) to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping.
This follows the submission to the MEPC of a comprehensive report by an Expert Group, which had carried out a feasibility study and impact assessment of several possible market-based measures submitted by Governments and observer organizations.
The group held an extensive exchange of views on issues related to the desirability of MBMs providing: Certainty in emission reductions or carbon price; revenues for mitigation, adaptation and capacity-building activities in developing countries; incentives for technical and operational improvements in shipping; and offsetting opportunities.
The MEPC is expected to outline future work by the Organization on this matter, including, as identified by the Working Group, further in-depth examination of the impact of MBMs on developing countries.

Source at:
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/326574/imo-set-adopt-measures-cutting-ships-gas-emissions

IMO meeting tackles ship emissions – again - Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide

Posted - July 13, 2011 - Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide

The mandatory application of energy efficiency measures for ships and further consideration of market-based measures (MBMs) are the issues garnering most attention
at a key environmental policy meeting at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London this week. Both are initiatives aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions in shipping.
The 62nd meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 62) will consider a proposal by some member states to add the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), to Annex VI of the MARPOL convention, making those measures mandatory for signatory nations.
Both these measures are already in voluntary use. EEDI sets energy efficiency requirements for the design of new ships class by class but lets each designer, builder or owner choose their own methods of meeting the standards – by their choice of technologies or methods. A similar approach applies to SEEMP on the operation of ships.
EPC 62 will also consider the report of an inter-seasonal meeting of a working group on GHG emissions, which met in March to consider a range of proposed MBMs. These are all broadly either bunker levy or emissions trading based proposals. These MBMs would go further than EEDI and SEEMP in securing reductions in emissions from shipping.
MEPC is under some pressure to make progress towards agreeing a market measure this year, with both the UN climate convention and the European Union threatening to act on regulation if IMO does not. But both the energy efficiency and MBM issues are the subject of high contention among IMO members. Source: Carbon Positive

Posted Story at:
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35190:imo-meeting-tackles-ship-emissions--again-&catid=44:latest-news&Itemid=64

O2 control measures for international shipping to be considered at IMO environment meeting -

Posted: Monday July 11, 2011 - The Hellenic Shipping News

Mandatory measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from international shipping will be considered for adoption by the Marine Environment.
Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), when it meets for its 62nd session from 11 to 15 July 2011 at IMO Headquarters in London.
Also high on the agenda will be the consideration, with a view to adoption, of amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) to designate a new United States Caribbean sea area emission control area; to designate the Baltic Sea as a Special Area with respect to pollution by sewage from ships; and to adopt a revised Annex V related to control of garbage. The MEPC will also discuss issues relating to the implementation of the ship recycling and ballast water management conventions and consider the adoption of new guidelines on bio-fouling.
GHG amendments
At the request of a number of States party to MARPOL Annex VI Regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships, the MEPC will be invited to consider proposed amendments to Annex VI to make mandatory the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). Both have already been disseminated via MEPC Circulars for voluntary use.
The EEDI is a non-prescriptive, performance-based mechanism that leaves the choice of technologies to use in a specific ship design to the industry. As long as the required energy-efficiency level is attained, ship designers and builders would be free to use the most cost-efficient solutions for the ship to comply with the regulations.

Complete Story at:
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=34657:co2-control-measures-for-international-shipping-to-be-considered-at-imo-environment-meeting-&catid=44:latest-news&Itemid=64

Feds to probe air pollution from ships - The Halifax Herald Limited

Posted - By MICHAEL LIGHTSTONE Staff Reporter - Sun, Jul 10 - 4:54 AM

Study will analyze data from 55 air quality monitors in Halifax

The Harper government plans to spend up to $266,000 over the next two years studying air pollution hooked to ship traffic in Halifax.
And Health Canada has identified Dalhousie University as the proposed contractor for the marine emissions project, an agency spokesman said recently.
Researchers from the university’s department of process engineering and applied science — part of the engineering faculty — are in line for the contract, though the work hasn’t been awarded yet.
The contract should be handed out soon.
"If no other supplier submits a statement of capabilities that meets the requirements before the closing date of July 19," then Dalhousie will get the government contract, Health Canada’s Gary Holub said Friday.
Part of the project involves setting up 55 air quality test sites throughout Halifax that will be monitored during a two-week period in August.
Holub said the research "will advance our understanding of the role that this type of emissions plays in the overall effect of air pollution in Halifax and elsewhere."
Air pollution from ships is on the radar of public health officials in Canada and other countries. Environment Canada recognizes that "emissions from marine vessels can be of particular concern near port cities" such as Halifax.
Because air pollution has significant impacts on human health, Ottawa intends to tighten the reins on vessels visiting Canadian ports and those plying waters offshore. A major part of the problem is the amount of sulphur in fuel used to propel ships.
Holub said vessels will be required to use fuels with a maximum sulphur content of 1,000 parts per million starting, Jan. 1, 2015, "which is expected to be achieved through the use of a diesel fuel" to be developed for ships.
In collaboration with the United States, France and the International Maritime Organization, "the government . . . will implement strict emission controls on marine shipping in the coming years in order to improve air quality," he said in an email message.

Complete Story at:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/1252768.html

MEPC 62: The world can afford sustainable shipping - Bunker World

Posted - July 8. 2011 14:08 GMT - Dennis M. King - Environmental Economics Professor, University of Maryland - Bunker World

It is always worth considering the potential costs and related economic impacts of new environmental regulations affecting global shipping. However, claims by some shipping industry groups that pending IMO ballast water regulations or a proposed carbon levy on bunker fuel will impose unbearable economic hardships on businesses and households around the world seem far-fetched. Let’s take a look at the basic numbers.
It is estimated that widespread compliance with IMO ballast water regulations will require more than 50,000 merchant ships to install on-board ballast water treatment (BWT) systems at a cost of about $1 million each.
For a few years after implementation the IMO's tiered schedule of compliance deadlines could result in as many as 15,000 merchant ships per year installing BWT systems so the annual cost to the shipping industry during those peak years will be about $15 billion.
Once the existing global fleet is in compliance, of course, compliance costs will decline significantly to around $3 billion or so annually and be associated primarily with installation of treatment systems on newly built ships.

Complete Posting at:
http://www.bunkerworld.com/forum/blogs/Dennis-King/104704/MEPC-62-The-world-can-afford-sustainable-shipping

International Chamber of Shipping to call on governments to support CO2 emissions reduction measures - Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide

Posted - July 7, 2011 - Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which represents all sectors and trades and over 80% of world merchant tonnage, is calling on governments to support a crucial vote, next week, at the London-based UN International Maritime Organization
(IMO), to help shipping deliver meaningful CO2 emissions reductions on a global basis.
ICS member national shipowners’ associations are lobbying their governments hard to ensure that they support the adoption of global rules on technical and operational measures, which ICS believes will deliver at least a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020, per tonne-km of trade carried by sea.
“Every vote will count.” explained ICS Secretary General, Peter Hinchliffe.
“We appreciate that some developing countries - in our view mistakenly - are concerned that a positive IMO decision on technical measures, that will apply to all ships equally, regardless of flag, might somehow prejudice their positions at the high level UN Climate Change negotiations. But any failure to agree at IMO will make discussions on the reduction of shipping’s emissions far more difficult. As well as being bad for the environment, a ‘no’ vote will threaten the ‘level playing field’ in international shipping with the risk of very serious market distortions.”
A package of technical and operational measures has been already been developed by governments, and is being put forward for adoption by the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (meeting from 11 -15 July) as amendments to Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention. Most importantly this package includes the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the use of Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans (SEEMP).
Agreement at IMO will be vital to maintain the principle of global rules for a global industry, which cannot be guaranteed if emission reduction measures are left entirely to the high level climate change talks at UNFCCC, or if unilateral action is taken by the European Commission, which will be the likely result if agreement is not reached by governments at IMO next week.

Complete Story at:
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=34086:international-chamber-of-shipping-to-call-on-governments-to-support-co2-emissions-reduction-measures-&catid=46:top-story-b&Itemid=151

Cutting greenhouse emissions from shipping - Baird Maritime

Posted - Monday, 04 July 2011 09:17

European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas and Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard met last Tuesday with representatives of the shipping industry, EU member states and the European Parliament to discuss how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. Participants called for the adoption of the Energy Efficient Design Index (EEDI) developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The EEDI contains technical requirements to improve the design of new ships to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions. EU officials believe that adoption of the index would send a positive signal that international negotiations at the IMO can deliver concrete contributions to combating climate change. Some countries have so far refused to engage constructively in the debate at the IMO. At last week’s meeting discussions focused on how these talks can yield genuine results. Specifically, the meeting looked at other multi-regional co-operation initiatives on transport and environment issues, and how these experiences could be applied to reduce emissions from ships.
The EU has pledged to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 percent across all sectors by 2020. Under the legislation, if no international agreement is approved covering international maritime emissions by the end of 2011, the commission should make a proposal to include these in the EU reduction commitment.
"It is high time for an agreement in the IMO,” said Hedegaard. “Much as we prefer a global solution, the member states and the European Parliament have asked the Commission to present a possible proposal to reduce shipping emissions for 2012 in the case that the IMO fails to find a solution. Today's meeting is a part of the necessary engagement to move forward."

Source:
http://www.bairdmaritime.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10560:cutting-greenhouse-emissions-from-shipping&catid=76:marine-environment&Itemid=212

Shipping-emission curbs delay sought - mb.com.ph

Posted - By MICHELLE WIESE BOCKMANN (BLOOMBERG) - July 4, 2011, 2:31am

MANILA, Philippines — China, Saudi Arabia and South Africa want developing nations excluded from rules designed to cut the 870 million metric tons of carbon emitted by ships every year.
The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization meets from July 11 to set the emissions standards that may apply from 2013. Developing nations should either be exempt from those rules for five years or be assigned half the targets until 2021, the three countries said in a proposal last month to the IMO, a copy of which was obtained by Bloomberg.
International shipping accounts for about 2.7 percent of global emissions of carbon dioxide, making it the most efficient form of mass transport, the London-based IMO said in a report in 2009. About 90 percent of global trade moves by sea, the Round Table of International Shipping Associations estimates. Owners are considering liquefied natural gas as an alternative to the heavy fuel oil they currently use to power ships.
“What’s at stake is the ability of the IMO to regulate carbon,” said Simon Bennett, external affairs director for the London-based International Chamber of Shipping, whose members represent 80 percent of the global fleet. “If not adopted on a uniform basis, we stand to have chaos because you will have different standards applying to different ships depending on where they are registered.”
Lee Adamson, a London-based spokesman for the IMO, declined to comment.

Complete Story at:
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/325276/shippingemission-curbs-delay-sought

International approach needed to reduce shipping emissions -Science, Technology and Innovation Projects

Posted - Published: Wednesday, 29th June 2011 by Adelle Kehoe - Science, Technology and Innovation Projects

Yesterday saw the meeting of the European Vice-President Siim Kallas and Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard with the shipping industry, Member States and the European Parliament where it was discussed and debated how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry. Short, medium and long term solutions were discussed and the need for a uniformed, international approach was recognized as the most important factor in moving forwards.
The EU has famously committed itself to reducing total greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% across all sectors by 2020. At which time (2008), there was no international agreement on the inclusion of the international maritime emissions and it was made clear that if no formal legislation was in place by the end of 2011, the Commission should make a proposal to include these in the EU reduction commitment.
Vice-President Kallas said: "We have recognized in our White Paper on Transport that shipping must contribute to our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For a global sector such as maritime transport, measures which are the most environmentally effective and make economic sense can best be achieved through the IMO. The EU will continue its efforts to achieve an international solution. We look forward to working together with other countries, regions and organizations to tackle this challenge successfully without delay."
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) – is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. The IMO have called for the adoption of their ‘Energy Efficient Design Index’ at the next meeting of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee in July. The index contains technical requirements to improve the design of new ships in order to reduce both their fuel consumption and emissions. The adoption of the index would give a positive signal that international negotiations at IMO can deliver concrete contributions to combating climate change.

Complete Story at:
http://www.projectsmagazine.eu.com/news/international_approach_needed_to_reduce_shipping_emissions

GHG challenge awaits new IMO chief - Carbpn Positive

Posted - Thursday, 30 June 2011 - Carbon Positive

Many in shipping have been looking for clues as to industry’s regulatory future in the election this week of a new chief of International Maritime Organization (IMO), Japan’s Koji Sekimizu, currently director of the IMO's maritime safety division. On the thorny issue of greenhouse-gas (GHG) regulation, the IMO is currently exploring market-based measures (MBMs) to cut emissions and mulling a decision to make energy efficiency standards in ship design and operation mandatory. It appears any big decisions on market measures for international shipping will be made under the Sekimizu reign between 2012 and 2015.
It is hard to gauge how his appointment will affect the direction of such regulation. Certainly, he can’t be seen to be using his position to push Japan’s MBM proposal for a bunker levy scheme designed to reward energy efficiency in ships. As to Semikizu’s ability to oversee resolution in shipping’s GHG emissions challenge, which has eluded his predecessors up to now, opinions differ.
Lloyds List comments: “As a long-time insider Mr Semikizu might not be the Richard Branson-style candidate to shake up the organization, as many people appeared to favour in a Lloyd’s List’s poll. But he is highly respected within the IMO and that might be in his favour when it comes to making difficult decisions as the organization seeks to deal with the diverse range of challenges it faces in the next few years that he will be secretary-general.”
The European Union, meanwhile, continues its consultation program over a plan to implement regional regulation to reduce shipping GHG emissions. EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas and Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard met with shipping industry and government officials this week to discuss options.

Complete Story at:
http://www.carbonpositive.net/viewarticle.aspx?articleID=2345

Global maritime carbon deal 'dead in the water - EurActiv.com

Posted - Published 30 June 2011 - EurActiv.com

EU officials believe that a global deal to cut maritime carbon emissions is currently unachievable and are instead talking up an initiative by the Bahamas to regulate the world's shipping fleets as an alternative.

EU officials believe that a global deal to cut maritime carbon emissions is currently unachievable and are instead talking up an initiative by the Bahamas to regulate the world's shipping fleets as an alternative.
"We have nothing in the global [talks] and it is unrealistic to expect a MBM [Market-Based Measure] deal this year, next year, the year after, and maybe the year after that also," one senior EU source told EurActiv.
"On the other hand we have a political commitment to do something regionally if nothing happens globally," he said.
Throughout 2011, the EU is consulting with stakeholders on policy alternatives, including bringing shipping into the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), if no accord is reached.
But as the Chinese airlines row rumbles on, there is little appetite for another spat in Brussels.
"The aviation [dispute] shows us that this is probably not the right way to go because if it fails, what have we won beside bad blood and bitterness?" one EU official told EurActiv.
The Bahamas initiative, which was originally mooted in March, was "a positive alternative" to unilateralism, according to EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas.
"We are looking for solutions that involve partners," he told EurActiv. "I don't think that a unilateral solution can be a good answer because it can create a lot of political resistance."
But environmentalists believe that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is too closely aligned with vested interests to ensure effective implementation of emissions reduction measures.

Complete Story at:
http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-environment/global-maritime-carbon-deal-dead-water-news-506074