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IMO has deliver concrete action on climate change: Kitack Lim

Photo: IMO kitacklim.jpg
International Maritime Organization (IMO) secretary-general Kitack Lim says it has to deliver “concrete action” on climate change and other challenges.

Speaking at the opening of the 31st Assembly of the IMO Lim said: "In so many areas, we are now at a crossroads. In the next biennium, IMO will need to deliver tangible and concrete action – to ensure our strategies, plans and roadmaps are achieved.

"While we always have to - and will - deliver on the mission of IMO to ensure maritime safety and security, environmental protection and the efficiency of shipping, we are also facing key challenges, such as the tangible threats from climate change, a universal effort to steer our world into a future of sustainable development, the increasing benefits and risks from digitalization and the need to preserve our oceans," he said.

The secretary-general said that work now need to accelerated on the initial strategy on reducing GHG emissions adopted in 2018.

"But we must now accelerate progress towards the implementation of the initial strategy, looking at new fuels from renewable and sustainable sources, new methods of propulsion, and new ways of maximizing the efficiency of existing propulsion methods. IMO continues to lead the way, not only in the regulatory work but also with the successful implementation of a portfolio of practical projects.”

Meanwhile the global 0.5% sulphur cap on marine fuel – IMO 2020 – is just around the corner with implementation for 1 January 2020.

"I am sure that, in 2020, all of you will continue to support our efforts and cooperation to ensure the smooth implementation of this important, global regulatory standard," Lim said.

Some 1,700 delegates have registered to attend the 31st assembly of the IMO from 25 November – 4 December at its headquarters in London.

TAGS: IMO Europe