The Marshall Islands and Solomon Islands are calling for higher levies on Greenhouse Gas emissions by the shipping industry.
Proposals over the industry's evolving environmental rules are to be considered at the next meeting of the International Maritime Organisation's Marine Environment Protection Committee, in June.
Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The Maritime Executive reports that the Marshall has renewed its criticism of the IMO, saying compromise measures being proposed do not meet the stated climate-related goals of the IMO, hence the urgent need for forceful action
Joined by the Solomon Islands, the Marshalls is calling for a mandatory US$100 per ton emissions levy to emphasise the goal of reducing carbonisation.
It said this would provide a clear signal to the market and all industry actors of the shipping industry's commitment to decarbonization at requisite speed and scale.
The ambassador of the Marshall Islands to Fiji, Albon Ishoda, said the measures needed to be enhanced, and enforcement strengthened with meaningful consequences.
In addition to being a large flag state, the Marshall Islands is considered by many scientists to represent the Pacific Island nations that are most at risk from the consequences of carbon emissions and vulnerable to rising ocean levels.
Ishoda recently said the IMO must implement carbon pricing measures as the most effective way to cut emissions.
It is understood that the proposal maps out an escalating strategy that would further increase the tax based on a series of criteria and timing.
Also, in addition to the aid to the developing island nations, the Marshall Islands is calling for a portion of the fund raised to be dedicated to research and development, supporting the introduction of new marine technologies.
