WSC responds shipping’s inclusion in EU carbon market

The World Shipping Council (WSC), representing the international liner shipping industry, has issued a response to the preliminary agreement by the European Parliament, Council and Commission to include the maritime sector in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

The agreement also sets in motion the next steps for the EU to make the ETS maritime ‘truly green’ by including all GHG’s, as well as outlining steps towards a life cycle perspective. Developing a life cycle perspective on the pricing of ETS allowances will reflect not only fuel emissions when consumed, but also GHG emissions from marine fuel production, according to the WSC.

The WSC notes that EU institutions have all emphasized the importance of reaching a global agreement at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). With the IMO MEPC 79 beginning in less than two weeks, there are a number of detailed proposals on the table for putting a price on GHG emissions on a global level.