The 174 member states of the International Maritime Organisation met in London this week to discuss the shipping sector’s response to the climate emergency.

Over the past few months, the Chamber and the UK government have been united in calling for the IMO to adopt a policy of net zero by 2050, and for the industry to align itself to the Paris Treaty. At the beginning of the week, Shipping Minister Robert Courts and I contributed a joint opinion piece for Lloyd’s List arguing that governments from around the world should use the momentum of COP26 to deliver real change, particularly around net zero.  

We were therefore disappointed by the MEPC’s failure to reach agreement on achieving net zero by 2050. We remain clear that urgent action is needed, and will continue to work with the government to push our case at forthcoming IMO. 

A decision on the International Chamber of Shipping’s proposition for a $5bn research and development fund was also delayed until Spring 2022. We all know that a huge amount of investment in research and development is needed to ensure we have the alternative fuels and technology needed to decarbonise, and this proposal would have enabled this research to commence at pace. However, the bigger priority remains IMO commitment to a fully-fledged Market Based Measure to provide a level playing field for early movers in decarbonisation.

Some positive progress was achieved this week; in particular it was encouraging to see an increasing number of member states supporting the need for mid- and long-term measures to meet the 2050 ambition. Many alternative approaches remain open for adoption, with several members asking for a basket of measures (technical and MBMs) or a combination of levers.

Here at the Chamber, we have been reviewing and discussing each of these proposals and have held an extensive consultation with members to assist in the adoption of an MBM at the IMO as a matter of urgency. The policy team will be sharing more information with members in the coming days on the outcomes of MEPC, but if you have any immediate questions about the outcomes from the week please contact either Anna Ziou or Michael Igoe who will be happy to assist.

Annual Dinner

Away from MEPC, this week we have announced Lloyd’s Register as our Silver Sponsor for our Annual Dinner in February, along with V.Group as one of our Bronze sponsors. Thanks to both, and our other sponsors MLA College and Jotun for supporting our Annual Dinner which will be a wonderful evening celebrating all the great things about our industry. If you are interested in booking a table please contact Donna Stevens for more information.

Membership survey

Finally, this week we launched our 2021/22 Members Survey. At the Chamber we are always looking to improve the service we offer members and it’s vitally important for us to get feedback to make sure we are providing you with the service you require.

If you are a member please click this link to complete the survey, it shouldn’t take any longer than 5-10 minutes and we really do value your feedback as we continue developing the organisation. If you have any queries about the survey please contact Tony Jerome Head of Membership & Business Development.