Shipping industry aims to lower emissions

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Friday, 22 May 2009

Shipping industry stakeholders and international experts gathered in Limassol yesterday to discuss ways that the shipping industry can achieve a reduction in ship emissions, in a bid to contribute to the reversal of global warming. The seminar held as part of the celebration of the European Maritime Day and was titled 'Shipping and the Environment: GHG Emissions from Ships'.
“It is our firm belief that the further development of maritime transport should certainly not come at the expense of the environment. Cyprus strongly supports and will do its utmost to accomplish the European Commission's objective to protect Europe, with very strict safety rules eliminating sub-standard shipping, reducing the risk of serious maritime accidents and minimising the environmental impact of maritime transport,” said Nicos Nicolaides Minister of Communications and Works in his address.
The shipping industry expressed its determination to reduce emissions from ships, although shipping is the least environmentally damaging mode of transport when its productive value is taken into account. According to IMO statistics in 2007 shipping contributed to 2.7 per cent of the world total in CO2 emissions.
“Despite the small contribution of shipping to the total world emissions the shipping industry should aim at the reduction of the emissions from ships as part of its share of the common goal of lower emissions.
“There is always potential for the reduction of emissions from ships through technical and operational measures, and market-based instruments,” said Sergios Sergiou, Director of the Merchant Shipping Department.
Cyprus will be joining international efforts to enhance energy efficiency in shipping through the adoption of the latest technologies.
“In the context of the ongoing efforts of the international community to address the phenomena of climate change and global warming, the IMO is currently working on developing measures to enhance energy efficiency in international shipping, and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” added Sergiou.
Source: Cyprus Mail