Shipping industry urges Governments to take forward USD 5 billion proposal to accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime transport

Copenhagen/London/Washington, November 13, 2020 – As governments come together at the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) to consider important next steps to decarbonise maritime transport, the global shipping industry urgently calls on them to take forward its proposal for an industry-financed, USD 5 billion research and development programme, to catalyse the transformation of the industry from dependence on fossil fuels to operating with zero-carbon energy sources.

Turkey, Botas Oil Terminal - Trade and Shipping

General port information access to be limited to members

Since March, when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, the BIMCO port information database has been publicly open and free to use. However, as the virus gradually retreats and a new normal is expected, the general port information – including holiday information – will once again be limited to BIMCO members.

BIMCO’s analysis shows significant geographical differences when it comes to VLSFO sulphur compliance and ISO 8217 quality problems

BIMCO, together with the other industry organisations, acquired data on all commercial fuel samples tested by Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) during 2020. This VPS data clearly shows the geographical differences between the standard of the fuels delivered to ships. Europe and the US seem to have the poorest performance. This is both in relation to sulphur compliance which may lead to increased air pollution, and ISO 8217 quality parameters, which may impact the safety of ships. BIMCO is providing IMO with data on very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) sulphur compliance and ISO 8217 fuel quality problems. The submissions include an invitation to countries to consider implementing and enforcing a licensing scheme for bunker suppliers operating within their jurisdiction. Such a measure should help combat the high level of problems in some of the poorer performing geographical regions.

Shipping bodies call on world leaders to bring forward discussions on global market-based measures

Ahead of President Biden’s Leaders’ Summit on Climate, the world’s major shipping organisations have called on world leaders to urgently examine the role of market-based measures (MBMs) to ensure ambitious decarbonisation targets are met across the entire global shipping industry.

MEPC 81 - developments of significance

The 81st meeting of the IMO’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) made some progress on issues of significant importance to BIMCO members – including on mid-term measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the legal uncertainty regarding ship recycling and underwater radiated noise. Additionally, the Committee adopted a number of amendments to Conventions, approved a number of circulars and made significant progress on ballast water management issues.

Charterers to provide

Indonesia, Ujung Pandang - Infrastructure

BIMCO launches initiatives to address shipping’s plastic footprint

With discussions at the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting (held 10 to 17 June 2021) on sea-based sources of marine plastic delayed until the end of the year, BIMCO is looking at what the shipping industry can to do reduce its plastic footprint to ensure momentum is not lost in the absence of formal discussions at the IMO.

IMO preparation for an initial strategy on reduction of GHG from ships.

BIMCO participated in the second workshop at IMO for the preparation of the initial strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships last week in London.