The United States has pulled out of international discussions aimed at reducing carbon emissions from shipping, indicating a willingness to retaliate against any fees imposed on its merchant fleet if such initiatives move forward.
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The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN's shipping agency, is currently convening in London with the intention of establishing a carbon charge for the maritime industry. The US communicated its position to other nations, a message seen by Bloomberg and confirmed by delegates from two countries. The implications of this development for the decarbonization of the shipping industry are uncertain. Prior to this week's meeting, there was cautious optimism among several stakeholders regarding the ability to maintain the momentum of talks, despite the US's stance. However, the bigger question now arises: will other nations follow the US's example? During the discussions at the IMO in London, the US firmly stated, "We reject any and all efforts to impose economic measures against our ships based on greenhouse gas emissions or fuel choices.
" The communication further encouraged other governments to reconsider their support for the proposed greenhouse gas (GHG) emission measures. Despite the US being a significant economic and diplomatic force, its commercial shipping fleet is relatively small. This is a crucial factor, as flag states—the countries where vessels are registered—play a vital role in enforcing the IMO's pollution regulations. The Marine Environment Protection Committee of the IMO, responsible for approving carbon reduction measures, typically arrives at decisions through consensus. Although voting could occur, the US's vote would carry equal weight to those of other nations; however, it may influence the voting behavior of others.
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The regulations aiming to reduce GHG emissions under discussion this week would amend MARPOL Annex VI, the primary international treaty addressing air pollution from ships. While the US has ratified this annex, it holds the option to withdraw from the entire convention or any of its optional annexes, as noted by Tore Longva, decarbonization director at the classification society DNV. The US message also stated, "Our government will consider reciprocal measures to offset any fees imposed on US ships and to compensate the American public for any economic repercussions arising from adopted GHG emissions measures.
" In 2023, the IMO established targets to significantly reduce shipping-related greenhouse gas emissions, including achieving net zero by mid-century. "We're working on a compromise proposal," stated Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary General of the IMO, during a press briefing on Monday. "There will be a price on emissions." An email sent late Tuesday to the US State Department has yet to receive a response.
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