Critical Week for Green Shipping
There has been talk and writing for weeks, months, and years about forthcoming regulation of shipping emissions.
This week, crucial pieces may fall into place as nations convene for MEPC 80, organized by the IMO.
The major questions at hand are whether countries will find common ground to adopt an agreement on global climate regulation and the level of ambition that will be set.
"We have talked extensively and for a long time about this week's meeting, and now it is truly the moment of decision. Together with the Minister of Business, the Danish Maritime Authority, and our members, we have worked hard to influence other countries to embrace the green path alongside us. Very soon, we will have a result, and we approach MEPC 80 with our nerves on edge," says Anne H. Steffensen, Anne H. Steffensen, Director General and CEO, Danish Shipping.
First and foremost, it is crucial for Danish Shipping that IMO member states agree to make global shipping climate-neutral by 2050. Additionally, countries should ideally reach consensus on both technical and economic measures to propel the industry in the right direction.
The pressure is on now, and we need an ambitious agreement.
Throughout the week, meetings will be held at the IMO headquarters in London, and it is expected that the Chairman will draw conclusions on Friday regarding what the countries have agreed upon.
"We have a prioritized list of desires for the green transformation of shipping. We would like to see a price on emissions that can bridge the price gap between fossil fuels and the new green fuels. We want a clear definition of what constitutes green fuels. And we support a model where funds from a greenhouse gas levy on global shipping can be used to assist developing countries in their green transition. We need to deploy various instruments to achieve climate neutrality by 2050—it is urgent," says Anne H. Steffensen.