International Chamber of Shipping releases the second edition of report on sustainable shipping

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Publications has released the second edition of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Guide to International Regulatory Compliance. This updated resource provides shipowners, operators and managers with guidance on navigating the increasingly complex regulatory landscape of maritime decarbonization.

Maritime decarbonization

The guide addresses a range of issues related to maritime emissions, from current regulations to future projections, breaking down complex topics into digestible sections. Key highlights of the second edition include a new chapter on the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), addressing the significant confusion surrounding its application to all ships trading in and out of the European Union; exploration of the relationship between greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and underwater radiated noise (URN) reduction measures, highlighting how efforts to reduce one often naturally decrease the other; a comprehensive new appendix detailing approximately 100 ways to reduce both GHG emissions and URN; and a thorough review and update of all content to ensure accuracy and relevance in the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Executive comment

Chris Waddington, technical director at ICS and contributor to the guide, stated, “This updated edition comes at a critical juncture for the shipping industry. The new chapter on EU ETS addresses one of the most pressing and challenging topics in maritime regulation today, providing clarity on its current status and implications for global shipping. We’re particularly excited about the new section linking GHG and URN reduction measures. This innovative approach demonstrates how efforts to reduce emissions can have multiple benefits, including addressing the growing concern of underwater noise pollution.

“By providing this clear and comprehensive guide, we hope to facilitate better understanding and more effective action across the industry,” Waddington continued. “We’ve paid particular attention to the needs of the tanker sector, for which the CII regulations are particularly complex. This guide offers valuable insights for improving environmental performance and maintaining competitiveness. One year on from the introduction of new IMO MARPOL measures, there’s still significant confusion in the industry. This guide aims to clarify these regulations and provide a roadmap for compliance and sustainable operations.”

In related news, ICS recently presented a revised proposal for emissions fee and green fuel pricing incentivization. Click here to read the full story.