The European Sea Port Organization (ESPO) has stated its support for the EU’s recent agreement concerning the negotiations with the IMO on a CO2 emissions reduction target.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is anticipated to adopt its Initial GHG Strategy for shipping this month, and is currently in discussions to create an emissions reduction target for the sector along with short, mid and long-term measures.
The Initial GHG Strategy will be the shipping industries contribution towards the Paris Agreement once it is implemented.
The Paris Agreement, adopted December 12 2015 and effective from November 4 2016, has contracted the 195 UNFCCC members to take immediate action to combat global warming, keeping the increase in global temperature below two degrees.
Read the “Reduction of Air Emissions through Public-Private Partnerships” for an in-depth look into reducing emissions at ports
ESPO’s Secretary General, Isabelle Ryckbost said: “The Initial GHG Strategy will allow shipping to take part in the stock-taking meeting under the Paris Agreement in 2018.
We need global action but we need it on time. There is a sense of urgency in order for the sector to contribute to the Paris objective to keep the increase of global temperature well below two degrees.
We hope that the EU position will be well received and will be considered by the negotiators as a constructive contribution to finalizing and adopting the Initial IMO GHG Strategy next week.
It is good to see that it is already receiving some support on the shipping side as well.”
The current climate measures the EU are developing commit ports to reduce the carbon footprint of their land-based functions – whilst European ports are contributing to decarbonisation by providing eco-friendly and green shipping services.
