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IMO Publishes Greenhouse Gas Emissions Study's Highlights
The Fourth IMO Greenhouse Gas Study Executive Summary has been published. This study is the first iteration since the adoption of the "Initial IMO Strategy on Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships" in 2018, under which IMO Member States have pledged to cut GHG emissions from international shipping and to phase them out as soon as possible. The study estimates that total shipping emitted 1,056 million tons of CO2 in 2018, accounting for about 2.89% of the total global anthropogenic CO2 emissions for that year. The Executive Summary can be accessed HERE.
Giant Boxship, Ever Given, Could Block Suez Canal for "Weeks"
According to professional salvors, the 20,000 TEU container ship Ever Given may be stuck in the Suez Canal for days or weeks to come. Salvage experts say that the boxship's position - wedged between both of the canal's banks like a closed butterfly valve - will make this operation more complex than simply pulling a stranded vessel off a beach. The vessel ran aground and became lodged sideways across the waterway, blocking the path of dozens of other vessels. Reports indicate that as many as 100 ships were trapped in lines in both directions. An eight-tug refloat attempt on Thursday morning was not successful, according to the ship manager.
Cruise and Travel Leaders Call on CDC to Act to Resume Summer Cruises
After a year of having its operations paused due to the pandemic, the cruise industry is increasing its pressure on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to lift the restrictions that continue to prevent large cruise ships from sailing from the US. The cruise line trade group, Cruise Lines International Association, called on the CDC to lift the Framework for the Conditional Sailing Order issued in October 2020 in order to allow a phased resumption of cruises from the US by the beginning of July. “The early-July timeframe is in line with President Biden’s forecast for when the United States will be ‘closer to normal,’” said CLIA. They cited the fact that the CDC’s October 2020 order called for further guidance which the CDC has yet to provide.
St. Lawrence Seaway Begins Navigation Season
On Monday, the U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation marked the opening of the Seaway’s 63rd navigation season. U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, attend the event virtually. "Moving goods by water through the Seaway ensures trade is flowing freely between the U.S. and Canada while also reducing emissions,” said Buttigieg.
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