The resolution voted in favour of by MEPs last week sets out a roadmap for the COP21 meeting that calls for measures by shipping to cut emissions to be agreed by the end of 2016.
“We are happy to see that the European Parliament recognises the importance of a global solution for international shipping and gives a vote of confidence to the IMO, which should be allowed to pursue its efforts,” said Patrick Verhoeven EC Shipowners Association (ECSA) secretary general.
”We are however also concerned by the deadline adopted by MEPs on Wednesday. 2016 is right around the corner and as such it is rather unrealistic to expect the IMO to come up with a solution in a matter of months. A unilateral European push for a hard deadline may be counterproductive.”
The shipowners’ association noted IMO’s track record in developing CO2 energy efficiency measures.
”The 2016 deadline is not consistent with the steps already taken at EU level,” commented Benoit Loicq, ECSA safety and environment director.
“By pushing for an extremely tight deadline, the EU would essentially undermine the IMO procedure. If the EU would then focus on regional measures, it would be backtracking on its own policy.”
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