Environment
April 2021
BIMCO supports global seabed mapping initiative
Knowing the depth and shape of the seafloor (bathymetry) is fundamental for our understanding of ocean circulation, tides, sediment transport and environmental change. Currently, and despite many years of effort, less than 20 per cent of the ocean seafloor has been mapped. Therefore, BIMCO supports the Seabed 2030 initiative and encourages the industry to contribute with input into the project via an online survey.
March 2021
BIMCO and RINA propose method to calculate energy efficiency of existing ships
BIMCO and the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) have identified a need for – and therefore proposed - an alternative method to determine an accurate reference speed in connection with a carbon reduction framework currently under development by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The aim is to secure that older ships also can obtain a reliable energy efficient design index (for existing ships), even if the original sea trial data from when the ship was delivered, is lost.
Industry backs United Nations $5 billion "moon-shot" programme to decarbonise shipping
Responding to the UN Secretary-General’s call for “urgency and ambition” on climate change, the entire global shipping industry is giving “full and unequivocal” backing to a moon-shot proposal submitted by governments, to catalyse the complete decarbonisation of maritime transport by deployment at scale of zero-carbon ships within a decade.
Round Table Shipping Organisations Highlight Key Issues for the Maritime Industry
Leaders of the Round Table of International Shipping Associations - BIMCO, INTERCARGO, International Chamber of Shipping and INTERTANKO - met virtually last week to debate key issues facing the maritime industry today. At the meeting, the associations affirmed the industry’s commitment to universal recognition for seafarers, the decarbonisation of shipping and addressing the threat to shipping from piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
Shipping industry needs to talk market-based measures
BIMCO would like to encourage states and the industry to start a dialogue on how to create a global ruleset for market-based measures (MBM) to support the use of low carbon fuels and to create a level playing field for the industry.
IMO publishes guidelines to port State control for on board fuel oil sampling
The 75th session of International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 75) has in November 2020 adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, introducing a method for fuel oil sampling from ships' fuel oil tanks to verify the sulphur content. The new amendments will enter into force on 1 April 2022.
February 2021
Proposal: IMO needs to reconsider draft sewage regulation
Together with a number of member states and international organisations, BIMCO has proposed that the IMO should reconsider the direction, in which the amendment of MARPOL Annex IV has taken concerning existing ships.
Shipping industry takes new step to protect marine environments
Cleaning a ship’s submerged parts from barnacles and other growths, while the ship is in the water, can transfer invasive species to local marine environments unless it is properly cleaned and the debris is captured. To combat this problem, and to provide clarity and quality assurance to shipowners, ports and government authorities, BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have published the first industry standard on in-water cleaning of ships.
January 2021
BIMCO push for more cross-industry collaboration
BIMCO has joined the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Well-being and Crew Change, and was encouraged to see the first publication from the Together in Safety initiative. The initiatives signal the need for increased collaboration in the face of great challenges.
New law in California, USA, affecting shipowners’ liability for oil pollution
Members are advised that amendments to the so-called Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act of 1990 in the State of California on criminal fines for oil spill violations in state waters entered into force on 1 January 2021. BIMCO takes the opportunity to remind members about the importance of strict compliance with this and other environmental laws.
