‘Energy rating’ for ships to cut emissions

Source: Lloyd's List
The International Maritime Organization has now received comments from the industry following the development of a provisional technical design index. While there are conflicting opinions over using some form of mandatory index to shape the permissible limits of CO2 emissions, attention is also focusing on how these limits can be enforced. There are many voices within the shipping community against the use of trading schemes, levies or other forms of taxation, with some voicing doubts over whether enforced reduction can have validity at all. However, it has been suggested that the market itself would be a good place to start.

Euro MPs get ‘cheeky’ with redrafting of safety plans

Source: Lloyd's List
The European Parliament is attempting to resurrect two maritime safety proposals, by European Union transport ministers earlier this year, by transplanting their contents into draft laws that are still alive.

Brussels spat over inland waterways liability

Source: Lloyd's List
A dispute has arisen in the European parliament transport committee over inland waterway liability regimes. At stake was an attempt by the chairman, Italian MEP Paolo Costa, to extend coverage to at least part of Europe’s inland waterway network. Previous attempts to impose the convention on companies operating along rivers and canals have been rejected by both the parliament and national governments.