Ports advocate for stronger international maritime environment regulations
Our port and partners at the Northwest Seaport Alliance and Port of Tacoma this month continued our advocacy for stronger international regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This week leaders are at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). We continue to advocate for:
- Accelerating the IMO’s greenhouse reduction target from 50 percent to zero ship emissions by 2050, including interim targets to ensure emission reduction progress in 2030 and 2040.
- Implementation of market-based mechanisms and other policies, like a clean fuel standard, to achieve mid- and long-term greenhouse gas reductions and incentivize the development and deployment of cleaner marine fuels.
- Approving the MEPC work plan for review of the underwater noise guidelines.
- Support approval of the MEPC circular regarding 2022 guidelines for risk and impact assessments for discharge of wash water from exhaust gas cleaning systems, and for jurisdictions to make decisions about whether to restrict discharge from their waters.
Finally, last month the Port of Seattle announced a partnership to explore a Pacific Northwest Green Corridor, initially focused on cruise ships between Washington State, British Columbia, Canada, and Alaska. We look forward to updating the U.S. Delegation on the status of the partnership and feasibility assessment as it progresses.
Read the full letter of support for greenhouse gas reduction at MEPC 78
