International Maritime Organization secretary general Kitack Lim has told governments gathering at a critical virtual environmental meeting that they must adopt a series of decarbonisation measures.
As earlier reported by TradeWinds, major differences remain between countries on the efficiency levels for the controversial Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulation that will set operational ratings for vessels.
Delegates need to come to a final agreement if short-term measures, which also include the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index, are to enter into force as planned by 2023.
Unless the measures enter into force by 2023, then the IMO runs the risk of not being able to meet its target of improving the carbon intensity of shipping by 40% by 2030.
“The stakes are high. Adoption of short-term measures at this session is crucial to our ability to deliver on the commitments we have made in our initial strategy,” Lim said as he opened the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting on Thursday.
“Let me be blunt. Failure is not an option, as if we fail in our quest, it is not unreasonable to conclude that we run the risk of having unilateral or multilateral initiatives. But I have full confidence that you will demonstrate that the IMO can be trusted to deliver on commitments it has already agreed.”
A proposal has been put before the IMO for a 2% improvement in annual ship efficiency under the CII regulation to run between 2023 and 2026. The proposal is backed by Japan, China, Argentina and others. But European Union member countries and the US have argued that figure should be doubled at least.
Lim urged the parties to find common ground, pointing out that under the current proposal the targets could be reviewed again in 2026.
“I am of course aware that there may be some remaining work concerning the reduction factors," he said.
"I urge all delegates to work together and exhort all of you to break new ground and to demonstrate the best cooperative spirit, in the interest of the organisation keeping in mind that the reduction factors will be further strengthened in the course of implementation and experience gained."
