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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
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