In response to the mounting global requirements to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in shipping, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Publications has released the second edition of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Guide to International Regulatory Compliance. This updated edition provides shipowners, operators, and managers with critical guidance on navigating the increasingly complex maritime decarbonization regulatory landscape.
The release of this guide comes at a pivotal time for the shipping industry, as global regulations continue to evolve and demand more stringent environmental measures. The new edition is designed to offer practical insights to help maritime professionals comply with GHG emission regulations, offering clarity on rules and strategies for minimizing environmental impact.
Chris Waddington, Technical Director at ICS and a key contributor to the guide, emphasized the significance of this updated resource. “This updated edition comes at a critical juncture for the shipping industry. The new chapter on the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) addresses one of the most pressing and challenging topics in maritime regulation today, providing clarity on its current status and implications for global shipping,” The EU ETS has created confusion for shipowners and operators, and the guide aims to break down its complexities and offer clear steps toward compliance.
The second edition also introduces a section that links GHG reduction measures to the reduction of underwater radiated noise (URN), a growing concern in the industry. “We’re particularly excited about the new section linking GHG and URN reduction measures,” Waddington said. “This innovative approach demonstrates how efforts to reduce emissions can have multiple benefits, including addressing the growing concern of underwater noise pollution.” This dual-benefit strategy highlights how environmental efforts can have far-reaching positive impacts across the maritime sector.
The guide comprehensively addresses the wide array of issues related to maritime emissions, from current regulations to projections for future industry trends. The content is structured in an accessible format, simplifying complex topics for the benefit of those involved in maritime operations. The publication also provides specific insights into the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulations, which have been identified as particularly challenging for sectors like tankers.
“By providing this clear and comprehensive guide, we hope to facilitate better understanding and more effective action across the industry,” Waddington stated. “We’ve paid particular attention to the needs of the tanker sector, for which the CII regulations are particularly complex. This guide offers valuable insights for improving environmental performance and maintaining competitiveness.”
He added that despite the introduction of new IMO MARPOL measures over a year ago, significant confusion persists in the industry regarding compliance. “One year on from the introduction of new IMO MARPOL measures, there’s still significant confusion in the industry. This guide aims to clarify these regulations and provide a roadmap for compliance and sustainable operations,” Waddington explained.
To further support the industry’s efforts in addressing environmental challenges, ICS also announced an upcoming publication that will focus specifically on underwater radiated noise. This demonstrates ICS’s commitment to tackling all aspects of shipping’s environmental impact, beyond GHG emissions.
The second edition of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Guide to International Regulatory Compliance is now available and serves as an essential resource for maritime professionals worldwide. It offers practical solutions for reducing emissions while navigating the ever-evolving regulatory environment. To access more information or to purchase a copy, maritime professionals can visit ICS Publications.
Key Highlights of the Second Edition
- A new chapter on the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), clarifying the system’s application to all ships trading in and out of the European Union.
- Exploration of the relationship between GHG emissions and underwater radiated noise (URN) reduction measures, illustrating how addressing one issue often reduces the other.
- A comprehensive appendix detailing approximately 100 ways to reduce both GHG emissions and URN.
- Thorough review and update of all content to ensure accuracy and relevance in the fast-changing regulatory landscape.
About ICS
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for merchant shipowners and operators, representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world merchant fleet. ICS works to develop and promote best practices in the shipping industry, providing guidance through publications and free resources that are utilized by ship operators globally.