Environmental protection at sea
The Norwegian Minister of the Environment Erik Solheim today meets with the Secretary-General of UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) Efthimios E. Mitropoulos.
Issues that will be discussed are how the shipping sector can adapt to the climate challenges and Norway’s request for safer shipping in Polar areas, a press release from the Norwegian Government reads. Norway is an initiative-taker within IMO when it comes to stronger environmental legislation towards shipping.
- Norway is a superpower within shipping and IMO is a very important organization for us, Solheim says. - I look forwards to be discussing these important issues with Mr. Mitropoulos.
Shipping in Polar areas is increasing. IMO has no binding requirements for ship construction and navigation in these areas, only recommendations. Norway together with Denmark and USA promotes that strong demands should be put on companies operating in Polar area. This is also an issue that will be discussed in the meeting.
IMO has requested Norwegian assistance in a project on reduction of climate gas emissions from vessels, and the Norwegian Ministry of the Environment has decided to allocate 500.000 NOK to this initiative.
