THE International Maritime Organization (IMO) has highlighted its work to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping at the annual gathering of Asia Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies (APHoMSA), remotely hosted by the Cook Islands recently.

The IMO delegation encouraged participation from the region to IMO’s Second Symposium on low- and zero-carbon fuels for shipping, which will focus on “Ensuring a just and inclusive transition towards low-carbon shipping.” The symposium will be held on Oct. 21, 2022.

IMO further highlighted a new project on improving the availability of maritime transport costs data for the Pacific region. The project is being implemented by MTCC-Pacific, a center of expertise established by IMO as part of the Global MTCC Network and hosted by the Pacific Community and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program.

Transport costs are particularly important in the Pacific region, where some of the States most vulnerable to climate change are located. These States are largely dependent on shipping for trade, including imports of essential goods, and are already facing relatively high shipping and trade costs.

Participating States were also reminded of the invitation from the Marine Environment Protection Committee to submit concrete proposals on the revision of the Initial IMO GHG Strategy.

An update was also provided at the meeting regarding the IMO Regional Presence Office for the Pacific Islands region, which is set to be established in Fiji, following its selection as the host country. IMO updated on the progress toward the signing of a host country memorandum of understanding between IMO and Fiji.

The APHoMPSA meeting covered a range of important matters, including marine environment protection, ship safety and security, seafarer welfare, and women in maritime.

Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/24/business/maritime/imo-highlights-need-to-cut-greenhouse-emissions/1855701