Singapore shipping wants IMO lead on emissions

The Singapore Shipping Association has backed calls for global, International Maritime Organization (IMO)-led measures to tackle ship-generated pollution.

SSA President S.S. Teo said the local shipping community was "fully behind” IMO initiatives which aim for a “holistic and scientific approach to reducing air pollution Goh Teik Poh, chairman of the SSA technical committee, spoke against regional, unilateral regulations to reduce ship emissions, citing Europe and California as examples. A global approach was needed, he said, while regional initiatives had to be avoided. “It is important to respect IMO rulings,” he said. “Or else it would be a free-for-all situation, which would raise the cost of doing business on the whole.” The SSA reiterated its support for the “goal-based approach adopted by the IMO in reducing sulphur emissions”. It said it was pleased to note a “strengthened compliance” provision made available to shipowners to comply with more stringent standards of sulphur content in ship's fuel. The SSA “also views it as essential, to consider measures in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide from ships.”
Read More