It is essential that measures under the new rules for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions produced by ships, which are being defined at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), are clear and Simple. This was underlined today by the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo), the association representing the operators operating bulk carriers, in view of the upcoming crucial meetings on this issue that the UN agency will address with the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (ISWG-GHG) whose meeting is scheduled to take place in beginning of April followed from 7 to 11 April by that of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).

Intercargo highlighted the danger of introducing mechanisms overly complicated that seem to be gaining ground in the discussions within the IMO and reiterated the need for shipowners can confront a clear carbon price can be easily integrated into their business planning. According to the association, moreover, the measures to be adopted at the next meeting of the MEPC must be be supported by implementation guidelines that are equally and implementation timelines that are realistic.

"The upcoming ISWG-GHG-19 and MEPC 83 meetings - noted the Secretary General of Intercargo, Kostas Gkonis - represent a crucial moment for maritime decarbonization. Support ambitious environmental objectives - he specified - but the measures taken must be practical and implementable also for the maritime transport of dry bulk and tramps. With the intensification of of the negotiations, we urge Member States to focus on solutions that ensure real emission reductions without compromising operational efficiency and smooth global transport of essential goods".