ICS maintains push for emissions consensus

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), based in London, has reaffirmed its commitment to developing a consensus among shipowner organisations over emissions reduction schemes, despite growing criticism.

In a recent press release, the ICS has outlined its position on using Market Based Instruments (MBI) to form a major part of the IMO?s comprehensive CO2 reductions policy package, due to be developed in 2010.

“This is an extremely complex task given the wide range of national perspectives on the issue, and differences of approach between large and small companies, and the extent to which individual companies may perceive the impact of various options on their own commercial operations,” the statement said. “The task of ICS, however, is to represent the best interests of the international shipping industry as whole,” it said.

ICS has stated that is was never their intention to reach agreement on a single preferred MBI, but that during recent discussions real progress has been made towards a consensus on the essential characteristics of any MBI for shipping.

For example, they claim it should be “flag neutral” in its effect to avoid distorting markets, simple to administer and provide overall environmental benefit in respect of climate change. Above all, any MBI for shipping must be acceptable to all IMO member states, including those that are non-annex I nations under the existing Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change.

Many ICS member associations have publicly expressed a preference for one form of MBI or another.