ICS prepares for Paris CO2 talks

The global shipping body has launched key messages to government negotiators through a new fact sheet, ‘Delivering CO2 Emission Reductions: Shipping is Part of the Solution’, which explains the progress the industry is making to reduce its carbon footprint.

According to ICS, the global industry is already delivering carbon neutral growth having reduced total CO2 emissions by more than 10% since 2007, despite an increase in maritime trade. The IMO Green House Gas Study 2014 finds that shipping now represents 2.2% of global CO2 emissions, compared to 2.8% in 2007.

Unlike the Kyoto Protocol – which requires only developed nations to make land-based CO2 reductions – the 10% cut in shipping emissions since 2007 has been achieved on a global level, including ships flagged under developing countries.

Peter Hinchliffe, secretary general of ICS, said: “These are genuine reductions through fuel efficiency, without the need for complex virtual measures such as carbon offsets. With bigger ships, better engines and smarter speed management, the industry is confident of a 50% reduction by 2050, when the entire world fleet will comprise super fuel-efficient ships, many using clean fuels such as LNG.”

ICS also points to the mandatory target set by IMO under the Energy Efficient Design Index, whereby all ships built from 2025 must be 30% more efficient than ships built in the 2000s. This applies to over 95% of the world merchant fleet, under global regulations which came into force in 2013.

The organisation reasserted its belief that IMO is the only place that can ensure that the entire world fleet will continue to deliver further CO2 reductions – a view it says is compatible with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibility’.

“The entire world fleet is about 20% more efficient than in 2005. With the support of the shipping industry, IMO has already achieved a great deal and is the only forum that can deliver further significant CO2 reductions from international shipping,” added Hinchliffe.

The fact sheet can be downloaded at www.ics-shipping.org/docs/shipsandco2-cop21