At the end of October, the 70th anniversary meeting of the IMO's Marine Environment Committee - MEPC was held in London. The findings of this assembly are of key importance for creation of such regulations of the world maritime economy and transport sector that make it as effective and ecological as possible.
The most important findings of this year’s meeting of the Committee include e.g. introduction of the obligation to gather data on the subject of using fuels and energy from other sources by ships with the tonnage of 5 thousand tonnes and more. These vessels are responsible for about 85% of carbon dioxide emission to the atmosphere by the international marine transport. The obligatory system of data gathering is one of the first steps to introduce solutions which will limit excessive emission of greenhouse gases. Moreover, MEPC made a decision on implementation of the world limit of sulphur content in fuel used by ships on the level of 0.5% - this is a revolutionary change from the limit of 3.5% which has been applicable so far.
The activity of the Committee aims at reducing human impact on marine environment as well as at responsible use of sea and ocean resources.
A member of the team (as an expert) representing our country in the Committee is Marta Barańska, MSc., Yachtmaster from the Institute of Integrated Transport Technologies and Environmental Protection of the Faculty of Economics and Transport Engineering.
The International Maritime Organization is the specialised UN agency for security and protection of navigation as well as prevention of sea pollution by ships.