BIMCO’s top priorities for MEPC 69

Its first priority is to approve a mandatory data collection system for fuel used on ships in international trade.

The other priority is to work on the revision of the G8 guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems and to address the concerns that surround IMO’s Ballast Water Convention coming into force in the near future.

Lars Robert Pedersen, BIMCO’s deputy secretary general, said: “Knowing how much CO2 is emitted by ships is crucial before beginning detailed discussion and reaching future agreement on emission targets.”

He continued: “The data on emissions – in combination with a target – is needed to determine if and what further measures are needed by the marine industry.”

BIMCO stated that the data collection system is the necessary first step in IMO’s agreed three-step process on more greenhouse gas actions for shipping.

“The shipping industry needs reliable ballast water treatment systems that are fit for global use,” explained Mr Pedersen.

BIMCO has made it clear that it wishes to see the MEPC finalise the revision of the G8 guidelines, which currently do not meet the requirements for the Ballast Water Convention.

Mr Pedersen concluded: “Presently, IMO approved systems may not always live up to the required standards under real operating conditions onboard ships, and no such systems are presently available that are approved to the much more stringent USCG approval standards.”