Liberian Registry Against Unilateral EU ETS Scheme
WMN.. The Liberian Registry, the world’s second-largest ship registry, has opposed the recent proposal from the European Parliament on the implementation of a separate, unilateral set of regulations, in the instance of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) scheme for international shipping.
“We understand the need for efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and continue to push for a cleaner environment, as well as a more efficient maritime industry,” Alfonso Castillero, Chief Operating Officer of the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR), commented.
“However, at least for international shipping, it is vital we work toward one set of requirements established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), avoiding the creation of a fractured system of regional requirements that reach beyond their own waters, and assuring a unified global effort to confront this important issue.”
According to Castillero, the EU ETS scheme, if implemented, should be applicable only to those waters of EU members, and not become a global scheme. If applied beyond intra-EU voyages, the scheme will distort the global market situation because it will cover voyages not only within the EU, but also voyages to and from the EU.
Furthermore, Liberia agrees with the stance of the World Shipping Council (WSC) that a unilateral EU ETS scheme would undermine efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions currently underway, including the proposal by a broad coalition of industry associations to the IMO for the establishment of an International Maritime Research and Development Board, funded by the industry, to accelerate the introduction of low-carbon and zero-carbon technologies and fuels for shipping. …reports World Maritime News.
“We understand the need for efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and continue to push for a cleaner environment, as well as a more efficient maritime industry,” Alfonso Castillero, Chief Operating Officer of the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR), commented.
“However, at least for international shipping, it is vital we work toward one set of requirements established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), avoiding the creation of a fractured system of regional requirements that reach beyond their own waters, and assuring a unified global effort to confront this important issue.”
According to Castillero, the EU ETS scheme, if implemented, should be applicable only to those waters of EU members, and not become a global scheme. If applied beyond intra-EU voyages, the scheme will distort the global market situation because it will cover voyages not only within the EU, but also voyages to and from the EU.
Furthermore, Liberia agrees with the stance of the World Shipping Council (WSC) that a unilateral EU ETS scheme would undermine efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions currently underway, including the proposal by a broad coalition of industry associations to the IMO for the establishment of an International Maritime Research and Development Board, funded by the industry, to accelerate the introduction of low-carbon and zero-carbon technologies and fuels for shipping. …reports World Maritime News.
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