PH advocates for inclusion of seafarers’ interest in IMO GHG strategy

PH advocates for inclusion of seafarers’ interest in IMO GHG strategy
July 11, 2023 https://www.portcalls.com/ph-advocates-for-inclusion-of-seafarers-intere...

The Philippines has advocated for recognizing and including seafarers’ interest in the revised IMO strategy on GHG emissions
Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro Locsin urged the IMO’s MEPC 80 session in London last week not to forget the “crucial” role of seafarers in shipping decarbonization goals
The Philippines welcomes the adoption of the revised 2023 IMO strategy on cutting GHG emissions from ships

THE Philippines is advocating for recognition and inclusion of seafarers’ interests in the revised International Maritime Organization (IMO) strategy on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping.

This call to action was made during the 80th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80) in London, which concluded on June 7 with the adoption of the revised 2023 IMO Strategy on GHG Reduction from Ships.

During the deliberations at the 15th session of the Intersessional Working Group on GHG from June 26 to 30, 2023, the Philippines emphasized the imperative of addressing seafarers’ interests in the strategy.

Philippine Ambassador to the UK Teodoro Locsin, speaking at the opening of the 80th MEPC session, reiterated the seafarers’ “crucial” role in the shipping industry that should not be overlooked in the sector’s decarbonization objectives.

Locsin said the role of seafarers was underscored during the Covid-19 pandemic, when “they kept the supply chain open when the world was heavily reliant on more than 80% of trade by volume, including food, vaccines, medical supplies and raw materials being transported by sea.”

Locsin said as the world recovers from the pandemic and shapes a sustainable future, the seafarers are also vital to the success of the IMO’s decarbonization efforts.

“We may talk vision objectives, levels of ambition and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, but at the end of the day, the seafarers will be operating and managing the ships,” the ambassador said.

“They have a vital role in adopting and carrying out sustainable shipping practices. And yet, as we gather this week to revise the IMO initial strategy, iti is appalling that there is scant mention of seafarers in the draft document.”

Locsin appealed for the “reinstatement of the paragraph 5.5 concerning human element to 3.5 in the working paper.” His effort has paid off. It was reason enough for the Philippines to welcome the adoption of the 2023 IMO Strategy on GHG Reduction from Ships as a clear demonstration of the organization’s commitment to combating climate change, according to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

Notably, Item 3 in the MEPC 80 resolution, which endorses the revised strategy, acknowledges the significance of addressing the human element and the impact on seafarers and other maritime professionals in ensuring a safe implementation of the strategy.

Specifically, the strategy’s provisions in items 5.5 and 5.6 emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to regulating safety aboard ships utilizing zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels, and energy sources.

Furthermore, these items underscore the importance of assessing the strategy’s effects on seafarers and other maritime professionals, urging the IMO to evaluate its instruments, guidance, and training standards to facilitate an equitable transition that leaves no one behind.

The Philippine delegation also expressed its support for setting the ambitious goal of reaching net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by 2050.