Shipping Australia is disappointed that the Member States of the International Maritime Organization were unable to agree to progress the Net-Zero Framework at their recent extraordinary meeting in London between 14-17 October.
We note that the talks have been adjourned for 12 months and we hope that progress can be made over the period and at the meeting next year.
In the interim, we reiterate that it is vitally important for the economic well-being of all Australians that the regulation of shipping continues to take place at the international level. As the expert global regulator, the IMO is best-placed to create global regulation for a global industry.
We therefore urge that fragmented international shipping regulation, which is so detrimental to Australia’s economic interest, is avoided. We continue to urge Australian governments to continue to opt for regulation that is aligned with IMO policy and rules.
International shipping is committed to protecting and preserving the marine and atmospheric environments. Indeed, while the adjournment at the IMO is unfortunate, we are reminded that it was progress from within the shipping industry that has led to the regulatory developments we have seen so far.
We continue to envisage ongoing industry-led progress that preserves the global environment for the benefit of everyone, wherever they may be.
