Shipping is so global, that only a truly global regulator such as the International Maritime Organization can provide the level playing field needed for this diverse industry and all the nations it serves, says INTERCARGO.

Yet even the IMO, a United Nations agency, must be careful not to create regulations that put shipping in isolation warns the Association, which represents the world’s dry bulk shipping sector.

“Simply regulating shipping alone will bring distortions and dangers to global trade,” advised INTERCARGO chair Dimitris Fafalios. “Ship owners and operators, fuel producers, charterers, cargo owners, shippers and receivers, ports and terminal managers, all share responsibilities in the daily maritime venture that is dry bulk shipping,” he explained.

“Dry bulk shipping, which is already one of the most environmentally friendly bulk transport modes, strongly wants to decarbonize. However, I stress that we cannot do this alone,” he commented.