Kicking off the start of crucial talks at the IMO’s 69th Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting yesterday, secretary general Kitack Lim reiterated his keenness to ensure proper environmental regulations for the industry.
“I see the promotion of sustainable shipping and maritime development as one of the major priorities of my tenure,” said Lim, who took on the role at the UN body on January 1.
Lim said the UN climate change discussions in Paris last December had shown a “clear imperative for development to be truly sustainable”.
Despite shipping not being included in the final text from Paris, Lim said IMO still had a “strong commitment” as “the global regulator of the shipping industry to continue its work to address greenhouse gases from shipping engaged in international trade”.
The IMO is still the right body to handle shipping environmental regulations, Lim argued.
MEPC 69 continues through to Friday.
