Maritime Bulletin With ALBERT Fiatui And BISMARK Ameyaw: The Need For Urgent Regulatory Measures In Enforcing Reduction In Shipping Atmospheric Emissions

The maritime sector plays a crucial role in the facilitation of trade across all economies. The marine environment is considered the main module for world trade with approximately 90,000 marine vessels landing on various countries shores. Like all mode of transportation that uses energy produced from conventional and exhaustible sources (fossil fuels), ships emit carbon dioxide/carbon emissions that form a crucial component affecting the sustainable marine environment.

The amount of carbon emissions emitted into the atmosphere contribute to global climate change and acidification. Specifically, the shipping industry is responsible for a significant proportion of global climate change and acidification. It is asserted that more than three (3) percent of global carbon emissions can be ascribed to ocean-going shipping. Yet, it is worth noting that oceans also help the environment by absorbing some amount of emissions emitted into the atmosphere.

Unfortunately, our oceans are becoming acidic due to excessive emission levels in the atmosphere. Data available from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) predicts that without introducing strategic measures to reduce carbon emissions in the maritime sector, emissions could rise to 1.48 billion metric tons by the year 2020.

As carbon emissions form the largest component of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in general, parties to the Paris Agreement has pledged to reduce anthropogenic emissions well below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Due to the harmful effect of anthropogenic emissions on both marine and ecological safety, the IMO has led ship-owners in the advanced countries to take immediate actions aimed at cutting the impact of heavily polluting ships on the environment by deploying sustainable clean energy measures.

However, the Center for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana (CIMAG) opines that IMO's ambition of cutting down heavily polluting ships can only be realized if only the development and application of clean energy technological innovative tools are made readily available for deployment. Upon carefully analyzing port operations, and contacting various stakeholders, CIMAG argues that maritime transport is very polluting, thus regulations about marine pollution should be strictly enforced with all stakeholders involved.

It is generally recognized that all stakeholders have a key role to play in either combating or reducing to an appreciable level the release of harmful toxins into the environment which is particularly true of the shipping industry.

To address this challenge, the Government of Ghana through the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should strategically either implement or enforce stringent regulations concerning the shipping industry. Consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and IMO regulations, the Government of Ghana in 2017 placed much emphasis in deepening the understanding of the 1996 Protocol on the Convention of Marine Pollution (also known as the London Convention), the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, and the Bio-fouling Guidelines. CIMAG herein commends the Government for such initiatives and recommends possible solutions to minimize shipping atmospheric pollution.

Speed reduction is considered an efficient and effective way to minimize emissions from ocean-going vessels. Emissions especially carbon emissions are proportional to the consumption of fuel. Hence, slowing down the speed may result in emission reduction and fuel savings. In a more data-based scenario, in 2010, the IMO through empirical evidence stated that a speed reduction of ten (10) percent across the global fleet would result in a 23.3 percent reduction in emissions from the marine sector. Therefore, to minimize fuel consumption and reduce emissions, most shipping lines should reduce their speeds to realize financial gains through fuel savings.

Furthermore, ships emit several global warming pollutants like black carbon. Reducing black carbon from ships gives ample time to take further steps in minimizing carbon emissions. Scientifically, black carbon is made up of fine particles created by the incomplete combustion of a carbon fuel source. Unlike greenhouse gas, black carbon is a solid and not a gas. It warms by absorbing sunlight, rather than absorbing terrestrial radiation. Generally, black carbon is considered to be a potent warmer in two ways-through the absorption of heat in the atmosphere and by lowering the Earth's albedo or reflectivity.

Additionally, survey and certification requirements for shipping lines should be strictly enforced. However, the survey and certification requirements should hinge on specific pollution and prevention issues as well as anti-fouling systems on ships. Harmful organotin compounds found in anti-fouling paints used on ships should be prohibited. Anti-fouling paints are mostly used to coat the bottoms of ships to prevent sea life from attaching themselves to the hull, thereby slowing down the ship and increasing the consumption of fuel. Therefore, the marketing and sale of anti-fouling paints for marine use containing organotin compounds should be prohibited.

In conclusion, CIMAG calls for the inclusion of the EPA, GMA, Ghana National Petroleum Commission (GNPC), stakeholders in the maritime industry, as well as international agencies like the IMO to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at minimizing atmospheric emissions in Ghana's shipping industry. Although the fight against combating emissions, in general, is very complex, a united front with all organizations on board will help promote a sustainable marine environment.

He holds a certificate of proficiency in customs procedures & port operations. Currently, Albert is a Director in charge of Business Development at the Logical Maritime Services Limited, a privately held global logistics company. With extensive research, policy and advocacy backgrounds', Albert serves on numerous boards within the maritime industry. E-mail: [email protected].

BISMARK AMEYAW (Ph.D.) is the director of research and advocacy at the Centre for International Maritime Affairs (CIMAG). He is a director of international relations and research development at the African Center for Strategic Business and Entrepreneurship Development (ACSBED).

He specializes in modeling and forecasting the dynamic links in energy, economics, and the environment. He also takes a keen interest in the Ghana maritime industry and entrepreneurship development. He writes, teaches, and consults on energy and maritime-related issues. He serves as an editorial board member and a reviewer for several Zone A academic journals. E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected].