Shipping emissions to be tackled

Vice-president of the European Commission Siim Kallas and EU Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard have issued a statement on how they attempt to tackle the problem of greenhouse emissions from shipping.

Although tacking the problem is necessary, many have criticised the commission for not doing anything sooner.

The urgency is owed to the fact that greenhouse gases emitted from shipping are incredibly harmful.

Because of the sizes of the ships themselves and the sheer amount that they are used, reducing emissions needs to be tackled head on.

Ms Hedegaard and Mr Kallas are aware that solving the problem may be a long and arduous process.

"Shipping is a global industry and needs global solutions to address its environmental footprint. As a result, we are all working towards an internationally agreed global solution to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from ships," the joint statement said.

Although some plans have already been put into motion, it has been decided that they are not enough. Instead, immediate action must occur.

Back in July of last year, The International Maritime Organisation created the Energy Efficiency Design Index.

Although fantastic at cutting emissions, the scheme cannot make enough immediate impact, which is partly because the measure will only be applied to new ships from 2015.

"We need intermediary steps to quickly deliver emissions reductions, such as energy efficiency measures also for existing ships," the statement said.

Ms Hedegaard and Mr Kallas have asserted that the movement into a more environmentally friendly shipping industry will be most effective if it comes from the inside.

Owing to their vast expertise and knowledge of ships, those who work within the field should put forward their ideas of how to make a change.

"The shipping industry itself is best placed to take the lead in delivering fast and effective greenhouse gas emission reductions – thereby cutting cost and making the sector fit for the future. The Commission is ready to play its part, in the EU and at IMO level."