MEPC 72 kicks off to set initial GHG strategy

An initial GHG strategy will be a framework for all Member States, which is expected to set out the future vision for international shipping, the levels of ambition to reduce GHG emissions and guiding principles.

“We stand here at one of the most historic moments in IMO when, for some years now, the global community has brought nations together in a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change,” said Kitack Lim, IMO Secretary-General.

“This Strategy that you decided to adopt this week is designed as a strong statement addressed to the outside world and, as a platform, will pave the way forward for future work related to reduction of GHG emissions from ships.”

On the agenda

The Committee will also address the implementation of the 0.50% sulphur limit which takes effect from 1 January 2020.

It is expected to approve draft amendments to prohibit the carriage of non-compliant fuel oil (except when ships are fitted with measures such as exhaust gas cleaning systems or scrubbers.

Also on the busy agenda, is the implementation of the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, which entered into force in September 2017.

The Committee is expected to adopt draft amendments to the BWM Convention which will determine the implementation schedule for installations of ballast water management systems.

The MEPC was opened by Secretary-General Kitack Lim and is being chaired by Mr Hideaki Saito.