Nine coastal states signed a framework agreement on shipping emissions, covering common fuel standards, shore power provision at major ports and a shared monitoring system for vessels operating in regional waters.
The agreement follows two years of negotiation and takes effect in stages beginning next year. It applies to vessels above a stated tonnage calling at ports within the signatory states, which together handle a substantial share of regional container traffic.
Fuel and infrastructure
The fuel standard tightens sulphur limits beyond the current international baseline and sets a timetable for the introduction of lower carbon alternatives. Ports are required to make shore power available at a defined proportion of berths, allowing vessels to shut down auxiliary engines while alongside.
Shore power provision is the costlier element and several signatories have sought transitional relief. The framework allows a two year extension for ports below a specified annual throughput, subject to a published investment plan.
Fuel rules are straightforward to write. Shore power means rebuilding the electrical supply into a working port, and that is a different order of commitment.
Monitoring
A shared monitoring system will collect fuel consumption and emissions data from participating vessels, with reporting obligations falling on operators rather than port authorities. Data is to be pooled in a regional register, with aggregate figures published annually.
Enforcement remains a national responsibility. The framework sets minimum penalty levels but leaves the mechanism to each signatory, an arrangement some environmental groups have described as the weakest part of the text.
