Shipping Industry Urges Global Action for Decarbonization at UN General Assembly

At the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the shipping industry and cargo owners united in a call for urgent action to decarbonize shipping. This plea comes at a critical time when the industry is facing mounting pressure to lessen its environmental footprint. The joint statement, issued at the UN headquarters in New York, emphasized the crucial need for a global regulatory framework to hasten the adoption of zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emission fuels within the shipping sector. Industry leaders stressed the necessity of implementing medium-term measures to bridge the cost disparity between traditional and eco-friendly fuels, ensuring fairness among all stakeholders.

In conjunction with the aforementioned statement, INTERCARGO, a representation of 30% of the global bulk carrier fleet, advocated for a streamlined approach to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) medium-term strategy on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Supporting various key measures, including a simplified pricing mechanism and a comprehensive emissions accounting system, the association underscored the importance of tangible solutions in the journey towards decarbonizing shipping. Kostas Gkonis, Secretary General of INTERCARGO, reaffirmed the sector’s commitment to environmental responsibility while upholding operational efficiency and global transport of essential goods.

With the challenges of decarbonization looming over the shipping industry, these recent developments highlight a growing consensus on the necessity of unified, global efforts to achieve sustainable shipping practices. As stakeholders in the sector acknowledge the urgency of the situation, the focus shifts towards implementing practical solutions and fostering a collaborative environment for impactful change. The road to sustainable shipping must be built on innovation, cooperation, and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship within the industry.

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