The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has voiced deep concern about proposed legislation by the Canadian senate that would place a moratorium on the shipment of crude oil in the waters of Northern British Columbia.
The ICS believes this would interfere with international maritime trade.
“Such a dramatic step could lead to serious concerns being raised by Canada’s international trading partners,” said ICS deputy secretary general, Simon Bennett. "The proposed moratorium does not seem to have been developed through an evidence-based process and we fear it could establish a dangerous precedent that might be copied elsewhere, including by individual US states, with the potential to impact greatly on the efficiency of world trade, as well as that of Canada."
ICS says that the environmental record of the shipping industry, especially the tanker sector, is impressive. On average, worldwide, there are currently fewer than two significant oil spills (over 700 tonnes) per year, compared to 25 such incidents per year thirty years ago, despite a doubling of the amount of oil transported by sea.
“We would instead encourage Canada to continue its strong history of environmental protection and support for responsible global trade through the implementation of practical measures consistent with international best practice. This includes respecting the UN International Maritime Organisation’s role in developing safe and sustainable shipping regulations and recommendations that might address any concerns that Canada may have,” said Bennett.
ICS says that the global shipping industry fully recognises the importance of robust environmental protection measures, and is committed to the goal of zero pollution.
This legislation, tabled in the Canadian parliament in May 2017, is currently being reviewed by a standing committee of the Senate of Canada.
