At first glance, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) building in London does not seem to distinguish it from other administrative buildings. Decorated with hard, outdated furniture and faded old posters. Still, this building differs at one point. A statue of the sea god, Poseidon to the Greeks and Neptune to the Romans, rules here. Numerous boats and small cargo ships announce it. We find ourselves in these places among those who are interested in the sea and navigation. And there is nothing to suggest that either of these international organizations can bring real added value to citizens.
Typically, these temples of bureaucracy are separated from the realities of the world and defined above all by round tables and other relaxed working groups. But, from time to time, real small revolutions happen there. Not much followed by the media, such a political and soon an economic revolution took place in early July during the 80th session of the IMO’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee.
“The shipping community is committed to decarbonizing its entire fleet by 2050.”
For the first time in its history, the international shipping community has committed to decarbonizing its entire fleet by 2050, thus fully complying with the Paris Agreements. Our association SUISSENÉGOCE is formally affiliated to the Swiss Delegation to the IMO, so that clear, binding and irreversible regulatory steps are defined by the IMO. The task was completed today. Following through on these commitments will now be a matter of course. This will not be an easy task as the financial and technical challenges of the maritime industry to date are entirely dependent on fossil fuels and are responsible for nearly 90% of the world’s trade.
Decarbonisation will require enormous private and public investment, primarily in research and development of new driving technologies, which are not available today. These alternative gears and fuels need to be implemented very quickly so that IMO’s objectives can be effectively achieved.
Also, these green fuels must be produced on a large scale, thus creating a significant environmental impact. They must use forces comparable to fossil fuels to move these marine behemoths. What seems like an obstacle today can become a real opportunity for those who know how to seize it. Switzerland in particular has, historically, already had a sophisticated mechanical and chemical engineering sector. So it will play a key role in bringing the necessary innovations in this imposed technological change. So take note to our engineers, IMO the trend is steady!
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“Avid gamer. Social media geek. Proud troublemaker. Thinker. Travel fan. Problem solver.”
– Maritime Transport: The Quiet Revolution
Roman Heck – SUISSENÉGOCE REGULATORY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS