KBRV joins seven other shipowners' associations in open letter to the IMO

The world needs an ambitious agreement by the International Maritime Organization.

Next week, the crucial MEPC 83 negotiations will start in the IMO, which will lead to an agreement on global climate regulation of shipping. Among other things, it must be more attractive and feasible to sail on alternative, green fuels compared to traditional fossil fuels. The challenge is immense and requires that the entire maritime value chain takes on the task. This stresses the importance of having regulations in place to de-risk the investments required.

The 176 members states must agree on new climate measures, which deliver on the IMO greenhouse gas strategy agreed upon in 2023. If the IMO fails to reach an agreement, it will be a major setback for efforts to steer the shipping industry toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

This view is supported by eight shipowners' associations including the Royal Belgian Shipowners' Association (KBRV) today in a joint post in Lloyd's List.

The signatories of the statement have succeeded in standing together despite the fact that we have different views on some of the elements of the agreement. Now we call on the Member States to do the same.

• Japanese Shipowners’ Association: Secretary general, Yasuhiro Shinohara
• Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association: Managing director, Wilfried Lemmens
• Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners: Managing director, Annet Koster
• Singapore Shipping Association: Executive director, Loh Chun How
• UK Chamber of Shipping: Chief executive, Rhett Hatcher
• Norwegian Shipowners’ Association: Chief executive, Knut Arild Hareide
• Chamber of Marine Commerce (Canada): President and chief executive, Bruce R. Burrows
• Danish Shipping: Director general and chief executive, Anne H. Steffensen

Click here to read our joint open letter published in Lloyd's List.