#UrgentAction – The Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) writes Lloyds Loading List, has called on the shipping industry at the COP21 climate change talks in Paris, to reach an agreement on a market-based measure for carbon reduction or risk having rules enforced.

The GSF has released a statement outlining its view on how the maritime sector should address the issue. It is “keen to avoid a patchwork approach of national CO2 targets, which would be complex to manage” and wants the shipping industry to be proactive in agreeing voluntary measures.

The EU is already proceeding with its own Monitoring, Verification and Reporting system in absence of an IMO agreement, the GSF noted. 

“Shippers are under increasing pressure to respond to the climate change challenge - they must understand, monitor and report their supply chain carbon footprint in order to meet their reporting and regulatory obligations, the GSF added. “However, they are dependent on the shipping industry to provide accurate data on emissions and the GSF believes urgent action is now needed to agree targets.”

Chris Welsh, secretary-general of the GSF, said: “All stakeholders agree that additional measures are needed to reduce CO2 emissions from the maritime sector. The debate now is how to get this done. We believe the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) should retain responsibility for this issue, given its strong track record, but more progress is needed on appropriate Market-Based Measures (MBM).

To read much more click here and for a copy of the GSF policy statement: CO2 Emissions from the Maritime Sector can be downloaded here.