Insights into the maritime industry

Today, the member states in the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have reached a principle agreement on a couple of measures that will come into effect on January 1, 2028, to phase out greenhouse gas emissions from global shipping by 2050. The KVNR is pleased with the result, despite much work still to be done before 2028.

I'm not calling for all ships to get an A label, but the formula behind the CII needs to be revised to give a more realistic picture of reality. Short-sea shipping cannot be disadvantaged compared to inefficient ships that travel longer distances.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will soon be gathering in London to make a decision that will shape the shipping industry for decades. The 176 members states must agree on new climate measures, which deliver on the IMO GHG strategy agreed upon in 2023. If IMO fails to reach an agreement, it will be a major setback for efforts to steer the shipping industry toward net-zero emissions by 2050

Last Wednesday, during the European Shipping Summit, the KVNR organised a panel discussion together with shipowners' associations Anave (Spain) and Confitarma (Italy) on the theme “unlocking the potential of short sea shipping”.

The Dutch shipowners support stricter rules for the transport of plastic pellets at sea and fully support the Netherlands' proposal to the International Maritime Organization to (1) provide plastic pellets with a specific UN number and (2) bring the transport of plastic pellets at sea under the international rules for the transport of dangerous goods (IMDG code).

Yesterday, Ursula von der Leyen announced the Clean Industrial Deal, which should be the starting shot for a stronger Europe. The report outlines a clear European ambition: to strengthen Europe's competitiveness by focusing on sustainable innovation.

On Wednesday 19 February, the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committee met in Brussels for a dialogue with European Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas. The European Commissioner for Transport and Tourism presented the European Commission's work programme for 2025, focusing on his two themes: Transport and Tourism.

While the maritime sector searches for sustainable innovations, a surprising technology comes into view: small modular reactors (SMRs). During a parliamentary debate, this topic was brought to the table, with a promising response from the political sphere.

As the first 100 days of the new European Commission are coming to an end, the promised Clean Industrial Deal is expected to be published soon. That’s why this episode focuses on scaling up alternative fuels.

The Clean Industrial Deal, set to be presented within the first 100 days of the new European Commission, will serve as president von der Leyen's flagship initiative in the transition to climate neutrality and in strengthening Europe's industrial competitiveness.

Just now, Habtamu de Hoop tabled a motion on fuel oil quality on behalf of GroenLinks-PvdA in the House of Representatives during the Two Minute Maritime Debate.

This article is a press release by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)