Member

Britain is an influential member of the IMO. We are also very fortunate to have it located here in London, just a few hundred yards up the river. We should support fully the IMO efforts to decarbonise on a global scale and not do anything to undermine it. Despite the setback last October, when the United States and Saudi Arabia torpedoed efforts for an early worldwide agreement, vigorous efforts continue in that direction, albeit more modestly. With a lifetime in international shipping and world trade, I implore the Minister not to do anything to undermine the efforts to retain as far as possible a universal international set of requirements. These are good for the planet and essential for the owners, who already have tomes of maritime compliance requirements. Please do not regulate for international emissions until IMO negotiations are completed. UK maritime competitiveness is already affected by EU ETS. Unilateral UK action risks a further deterioration. I add my voice to those urging the Minister to delay extending UK ETS to international voyages until a complete impact analysis is finished.