Europe will look to reach a solution over shipping emissions regulation on an International Maritime Organization (IMO) level, the European Commission (EC)’s transport boss has pledged.
Addressing the most heated debate of the European Shipping Week (ESW), Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc reassured shipowners she does not intend to step in their way.
She said: “I really want to reach a solution on an IMO level, please help us.
“I do not want to isolate Europe from the rest of the world.
“I do not want to be in your way, I am liberal in my head and socialist in my heart, I want markets to decide who is the best, I like mergers and acquisitions.”
Bulc had a meeting with IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim in Brussels yesterday.
She said they are “on the same page” and had a “very constructive dialogue” over how a coalition could be formed to deliver on realistic targets.
Executives from the European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) welcomed Bulc’s pledge right after her speech earlier today in Belgium.
Bulc was replying to ECSA president Niels Smedegaard, who asked the EC not to impose extra regulations on top of the existing ones.
Earlier today, director general of DG Climate Action asked the IMO to come up with a specific target for shipping emissions reduction.
Europe has decided to include shipping in the European emissions trading scheme (ETS), sparking opposition from various shipping associations.
