The World Shipping Council has asked the government to accelerate its efforts in decarbonising the shipping industry.
Guy Platten, International Chamber of Shipping Secretary General says the organisation is disappointed that the words and commitments made by governments at this year’s 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference had not been put into action.
“This week’s meetings have missed the opportunity to take forward a range of GHG reduction measures which would accelerate the development of zero emissions ships that are urgently needed at scale to decarbonise our sector. It’s almost as if COP 26 never happened,” he says.
“Governments can’t keep kicking the can down the road; every delay moves us further away from reaching pressing climate goals. We will continue to work with governments to agree to the suite of measures which the industry has proposed, including the 5 billion dollar R&D fund as an immediate step to be followed by a levy based carbon price for shipping. The adoption of both these measures will be the only way to deliver on net zero emissions from shipping by 2050 while ensuring an equitable transition that leaves no one behind.”
Shipping, which transports 90 per cent of the world’s trade, contributes to almost 3 per cent of global emissions. This share could increase to 17 per cent by 2050 as the world’s GDP keeps growing.
Curbing shipping emissions was brought to the fore at the international climate summit in Glasgow earlier this year, with 14 nations signing a declaration to bring shipping emissions down to net zero by 2050.
“There was a clear recognition from many more countries that there is an urgent need to significantly increase R&D spending. But we are disappointed that insufficient time was dedicated to allow IMO Member States to take a decision on the 5 billion dollar fund at this session,” Guy says.
“All we are asking is for governments to let business to get on and do the things that need to be done. We are not even asking for money or the type of subsidies that other sectors receive. This is a no brainer at a time when we do not have time to prevaricate.”