Intercargo argues that it is unfair for GHG (greenhouse gases) reduction regulations to solely apply to shipping operators and not the entire supply chain.
According to Intercargo, shipping is so global, that only a truly global regulator such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) can provide the level playing field needed for this diverse industry and all the nations it serves.
Yet even the IMO must be careful not to create regulations that put shipping in isolation warns the Association. As Dimitris Fafalios, Intercargo Chairman, warned, simply regulating shipping alone will bring distortions and dangers to global trade.
"Ship owners and operators, fuel producers, charterers, cargo owners, shippers and receivers, ports and terminal managers, all share responsibilities in the daily maritime venture that is dry bulk shipping",
said Dimitris Fafalios, Intercargo Chairman
Intercargo also cleared that it fully supports IMO’s ambition to achieve net zero emission shipping by 2050. However, it stresses that the responsibility for decarbonization cannot be placed solely on the shoulders of the ship operator – it is a challenge that must be dealt with holistically by the entire supply chain.
"Dry bulk shipping, which is already one of the most environmentally friendly bulk transport modes, strongly wants to decarbonize. However, I stress that we cannot do this alone",
added Dimitris Fafalios
Intercargo is an active participant at the IMO and plans to submit a paper to its MEPC 81 (Marine Environment Protect Committee) meeting in 2024 on the effect of idle time (e.g. port waiting), short voyages, and the effect of laden versus ballast voyages ratio on vessels’ Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings.
Decarbonisation was at the centre of discussions during Intercargo’s Semi-Annual Meetings held in Dubai (May 25-26, 2023). Members discussed a number of key industry issues as they relate to the dry bulk sector, including greenhouse gas reduction, fuel lifecycle analysis, the implementation of new international and regional regulations, as well as sharing experience and information.
"It was encouraging to have so many of our membership, which has reached record levels, joining us in Dubai both physically and remotely. The level of expertise and enthusiasm amongst our members enables us to contribute knowledgeably at the IMO and at numerous other industry fora",
said Kostas Gkonis, Secretary General
Source: Safety4sea
