Talks intensify on shipping emissions levy

Public opposition to an emissions tax on shipping vessels made consensus seem a distant hope at this week’s UN meeting – but in private, talks might be advancing.

Heated debate around the taxation of shipping emissions is continuing at the International Maritime Organization in London this week. Delegates from the 175 member states of the UN agency that supervises the maritime sector took the stand in the plenary session, arguing for or against the measures being considered to reduce the sector’s emissions.