UK shipping industry first to back emissions trading

Monday, 15 December 2008 12:00 AM

Britain's shipping industry has become the first in the world to call for a global emissions trading scheme for the high seas.

The UK Chamber of Shipping today came out in favour of an open emissions trading scheme to end the industry's traditional isolation from most efforts to tackle climate change.

Until now, ships, which account for three per cent of the world's total emissions, have broadly escaped restrictions imposed by governments because of their international nature.

Now UK shipping lobbyists are arguing the sector must make a significant contribution to efforts to reduce carbon emissions around the world.

"This is a bold and far-reaching decision that gives a lead to the rest of the shipping world," UK Chamber of Shipping president Martin Watson said.

"We need to take whatever action is needed to try to limit. [the shipping sector's] emissions - but without accidentally causing freight to be shifted from ships to other, less carbon-friendly forms of transport. That would be catastrophic in terms of total emissions."

Shipping carries 80 per cent of all world trade goods and 90 per cent of the UK's trade.

When compared with other forms of transport it is by far the most carbon-friendly.

And the Climate Change Act will bring in monitoring for shipping emissions rather than setting targets.

Despite this Mr Watson believes action needs to be taken and recommends emissions trading.

Under the Chamber of Shipping's proposals ship operators would decide whether to invest in emissions reducing technology/research or operating practice and thereby qualify for carbon credits.

Alternatively, ship operators can decide to support significant improvements in efficiency in high polluting industries, particularly those in the developing world.

The proposals have won the support of WWF-UK's head of transport policy Peter Lockley.

"If designed well, the scheme would put a price on maritime carbon emissions, speeding up the drive for cleaner ships and helping to pay for low-carbon development in poorer countries," he commented.

"It would position shipping as a progressive and responsible industry, and I very much hope that it will be part of a global climate change deal next year in Copenhagen."

The UN framework convention on climate change will meet in the Danish capital next December in a bid to achieve a successor to the Kyoto protocols on carbon emissions.

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