Fiji demands clear guide from shipping sector

Pacific nations have demanded a clear framework of principles for the reduction of GHG emissions from international shipping.

Fiji, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu, in a submission to the 14th Intersessional Working Group on GHG emissions to take place next week, are demanding a clear framework of principles that would address the challenges of reducing GHG emissions from international shipping.

‘...has to produce regulations...’

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has to produce regulations that are integrated and compatible with principles of law, as well as with its own constitution and framework.

In the Initial IMO Strategy on reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from ships (Initial Strategy), the IMO has committed to be guided by a number of principles and other related matters.

The short-term measures agreed under the Initial Strategy’s guiding principles are split between technical and voluntary actions.

There is very little financial implication on States for their implementation.

Under international law, all States are equals and need to be treated as such.

No one left behind

Equity speaks directly to the catch-cry of ‘no one left behind’ that all participating States in the IMO GHG negotiations to date have stated they favour.

The needs of future generations and everyone’s human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment must also be considered and provided for.

Polluter pays

The submission of the four Pacific nations clarifies that the principle of “polluter pays” means that all GHG emissions from international shipping need to be priced.

The principle enforces a dual obligation on the polluter to cease the damage caused by the pollution and remediate or otherwise compensate the victims for the effects of the pollution.

Highest possible ambition

The principle of ‘highest possible ambition’ holds States to a stringent standard of emissions reduction, as it provides a basis for IMO to seek steep cuts in shipping emissions and fulfil its goal of achieving reductions consistent with the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement.

Source: Melanesian Centre for Sustainable Tourism