Lines agree on mandatory reduction in emissions by 2013

In the first ever mandatory global greenhouse gas reduction regime for an international industry sector, mandatory measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from international shipping were adopted by the International Maritime Organisation earlier this month. The regulations apply to all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above and are expected to enter into force on January 1, 2013. The EEDI is a non-prescriptive, performance-based mechanism that leaves the choice of technologies to use in a specific ship design to the industry. As long as the required energyefficiency level is attained, ship designers and builders would be free to use the most cost-efficient solutions for the ship to comply with the regulations. According to the Guardian, China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and South Africa have secured a six and a half year delay for new ships registered in developing countries, which could mean the first guaranteed effective date of the reform will be in 2019.