SIMIC

THE Secretary-General of the United Nations International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, has urged for a united effort to align the shipping sector with climate change targets, reports Ventura California's gCaptain.

In his opening address to delegates to Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 81) meeting in London, Mr Dominguez expressed concerns over the environmental impact of the sinking of the Rubymar in Red Sea.



He also extended his sympathy to the families of the three seafarers who were killed in the missile attack on True Confidence by pro-Hamas Houthi forces.



Turning to the Somali piracy situation, Mr Dominguez praised the Indian Navy for their successful efforts over the weekend in freeing the 17 crew members who were held hostage on board the Ruen since December.



He also highlighted the troubling situation of the hijacked Abdullah, whose 23 crew members are currently held captive.



Among the long list of agenda items, MEPC 81 will focus on a the implementation of the IMO's revised global greenhouse gas reduction strategy, adopted during last July's MEPC80 meeting, including continued discussion on a GHG pricing mechanism and technical fuel standard.



In line with this, the 2023 GHG Strategy aims to reduce carbon intensity in international shipping by at least 40 per cent by 2030.