Meeting of the IMO on emissions of greenhouse gases

Secretary General, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to Oslo!

It is an honour and a pleasure to address you at the first meeting of the Intersessional Working Group on Green House Gases here in Oslo. I am glad to see that there are many member states, industry organizations and NGOs attending this important meeting.

The Norwegian government has singled out the maritime industries as one of five priority areas. The government launched a national maritime strategy last fall. Environment is one of the main pillars in the strategy.

I am therefore pleased that the IMO’s intersessional meeting on greenhouse gases is taking place here in Oslo. We need to address environment, we need to discuss possible solutions, and we need to achieve climate reductions for the maritime sector. These objectives are in line with our maritime strategy.

IMO is very important for Norway. Why?

Much of Norway’s identity is connected to the ocean.  The maritime sector, the fishing sector and the oil and gas sector are the main industries in Norway.  Even the name of the country is connected to the sea. Norway is a derivation of Nor Veg, or the North way.

IMO ‘s values  - safety – quality– enviromentfriendly solutions -  are also Norway’s core values.

Shipping is an international sector, therefore challenges in this sector require international solutions. Global challenges need global solutions. A harmonized regime will always be more powerful than fragmented regimes. Norway is a firm believer in international solutions.

The International Maritime Organization has therefore a key role to play. - It has the knowledge and the skills to find solutions.

Economic globalisation has changed the world’s economic order.  We now face new opportunities and new challenges. We often hear that the world is becoming smaller. However, perhaps the most striking observation is how fast the world economy is growing bigger.

Shipping is a key component of globalisation. If we look around the room, almost everything we see has relied upon shipping in one way or another. Raw materials, component parts, finished goods, fuel, and food ingredients. It is all transported around the world in ships.

As global trade grows, so does transport by sea. More traffic on the seas, means more risk of accidents and more emissions from ships. It is therefore important that we together strengthen the international regimes of shipping.

However, today there are few incentives for the shipping industry to choose environmentally friendly solutions that exceed the minimum standards laid down in international regulations. And when it comes to Green House Gases we don’t even have a minimum standard for shipping. That is why we are here today! We need to think together – we need to find solutions together!  

The environmental impact of shipping gives the maritime industry new challenges and opportunities. Innovation and environmental challenges are closely linked.  Approaching globalisation within a sustainable framework will enable us to take better care of our planet. It will open up for new business opportunities and innovative solutions. Those companies that can offer green solutions will succeed.

Innovation requires interaction. The innovative ability of the maritime industry is influenced to a high degree by the willingness of enterprises to prioritize.  As demanding customers, shipping companies can  - and should- exert pressure for innovation throughout the value chain.

The Ballastwater convention is an example of how IMO regulations have stimulated to new industrial ventures.

Another example linked to environmental improvement is: The Norwegian classification company, Det Norske Veritas, together with several other companies, are developing fuel cell technology. This technology implies zero emissions of NOx and 50 % lower emission CO2, as well as a 50% cut in fuel cost.

As you all know, in April, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) approved the proposed amendments to the MARPOL Annex VI regulations to reduce harmful air pollution from shipping. In Norway, the agreement reached has been labelled as “historical” and a milestone after years of hard work on this issue. IMO proved that it is capable to develop future sound regulations.

We are now eager to achieve similar progress and results related to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions .  Less than 5 per cent of the total green house gas emissions originate from shipping.  Although this is a small proportion of total emissions, the shipping industry has to play its part in reducing CO2 emissions.  Norway supports the work to explore alternative approaches. IMO has been tasked to find ways to limit emission of green house gases from ships.

Many ideas and solutions will be discussed this week.  My message may be simple, but I believe it is important: Viable solutions must apply globally and equally to all ships regardless of flag or register. 

IMO is no more than the member countries put into it. I know that you all will work hard this week to explore different solutions. The Government of Norway sees this meeting as an important step  towards green house gas solutions for shipping. I will also use this opportunity to thank the IMO staff for their good work to make this meeting possible.

It is raining outside, but today the sun rised at 3:54 am and the sunset will be at 10:44 pm. It is the brightest day of the year and Norway as many other countries celebrate Mid summer today.  You will be invited to take part in a celebration tonight. I wish to thank in advance Det Norske Veritas and The Norwegian Shipowner Assocation who are hosting what we call the St Hans celebration tonight.

I wish you all best of luck in your deliberations and a enjoyable stay in Oslo.

The Norwegian Government has set ambitious goals for our climate policy.  Mr. Solheim, the Minister of the Environment and International Development, will explore this further in a few minutes.

Let me close by saying that the reduction of greenhouse gases represent many challenges. Let us also remember that it represent great opportunities for the industry!

Thank you for your attention!