THE FAT lady might be singing but she hasn’t reached the end of the aria. The ‘historic’ compromise reached at MEPC 57 on maximum sulphur levels in marine fuels is a good paper settlement and in terms of IMO process, certainly important.
But since shipowners and their representatives are often as keen on bandwagons they are the ships themselves, the ability to resist the either claiming this victory as one’s own or damning it utterly as impractical should be resisted.
In his final presentation to the committee, the working group chairman made clear that this was a political compromise but one to which all parties had felt they could yield something in order to get it done.
And the months between now and October when MEPC meets again to rubber-stamp the revision looks from some perspectives a very long time indeed. Long enough for interference to allow some entrenched positions to resurface should their proponents scent a chance of airing them again.
The vacuum also allows for confusion to flourish. Ecsa, in its recent claim that higher fuel bills will displace freight from short-sea shipping, welcomes the IMO because it deflects the threat of unilateral regulation enacted by the European Union.
Now subtract this position from the one just above and it is clear where the shipping industry and the wider logistic chain will end up if it is unable to grasp the bigger political picture — including the Copenhagen Climate Conference.
Surely the industry can tell a fair wind from foul weather?
Comments (1)
Comment by
Captain Doctor Ivica Tijardovic, PhD
- Friday 11 April 2008
WE know that the average increase in the earth’s temperature causes global warming and the increase in sea temperature means a high possibility of bad weather developing, stronger winds and higher waves. It is difficult to know which is worse today for mariners, being at sea, with bad weather, or in some port, with too many activities without proper rest. The weather conditions at sea have definitely changed. The winds are stronger and unpredictable nowadays.
I believe that the Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships will not significantly reduce global warming, but is good example of how other industries should follow IMO's efforts. I’m afraid that those indeed responsible for air pollution (CO2, NOx, SOx, etc.) will not pay much attention to global warming and the highest price will be paid again by those in the maritime shipping.
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