IMO World Maritime Day 2007

President of BIMCO Mr. Philip Embiricos today pledged the continuing commitment of the global shipping industry to working alongside the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) in developing solutions to environmental challenges.
Speaking for the Round Table of international shipping associations – BIMCO, ICS/ISF, Intercargo and INTERTANKO on board the HQS Wellington on the Thames in London, at an event marking the IMO’s World Maritime Day 2007, Mr Embiricos said that the industry was fully conscious of the need to make shipping even more sustainable. Even though shipping was the mode of commercial transport offering the smallest environmental footprint, the theme for the day – “IMO’s response to current environmental challenges “ was an indication that more was expected of both regulators and the industry in making shipping greener still.
Mr. Embiricos explained that the Round Table believed that, after many years progress in the reduction of oil pollution and others issues such as ballast water management and the elimination of TBT hull coatings, it was now necessary to complete the job of tackling atmospheric emissions - notably sulphur oxides (SOx) nitrous oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), greenhouse gas emissions and in particular CO2. The current important work in updating the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) will further limit atmospheric emissions.
The Round Table organisations are closely involved with the IMO’s Scientific Group of experts, who are currently evaluating the implications of practical proposals for reducing harmful emissions from ships without negative impacts.
Mr Embiricos said that “a balanced mix of technological advances and operational improvements will no doubt deliver what is needed” to tackle a range of environmental challenges facing shipping, but if world trade growth is to continue at a healthy rate, a balance between improving the environment and additional transport cost must be maintained. The shipping industry is also continuing to work with the IMO in devising practical and sound methods of ship recycling, and working to implement IMO Conventions that regulate water ballast management and the use of harmful anti-fouling coatings.
Eventually, said Mr Embiricos, the Round Table believed that, the progress of this cumulative work would produce ships with minimal environmental footprints, self-contained and with virtually “zero discharges”. Industry, technology and science working through the IMO, would, he said, succeed in these objectives.


Source: Transportweekly