ClassNK Chairman and President Noboru Ueda Calls for Increased Leadership from Class on GHG Emission Reduction and Other Issues

 

ClassNK Chairman and President Noboru Ueda called for class societies to play a more central role in the maritime industry’s ongoing efforts to reduce maritime GHG emission during a speech at Sea Asia 2011 in Singapore today. “Classification societies must take a leading role in addressing the challenges of Green House Gas emissions and protecting the environment,” said Mr. Ueda, who is currently serving as the Chairman of IACS, the International Association of Classification Societies.

Sea Asia is one of the largest maritime exhibitions and conferences held in Asia, and is expected to draw more than 350 exhibitors and more than 12,000 visitors to Singapore this week.  Mr. Ueda call for greater leadership from the classification sector was made as part of his opening remarks to the Regulations, Rules and Legislation session of Sea Asia’s Technical Day.

As IACS Chairman, Mr. Ueda opened his remarks by noting the important efforts that IACS has made to the development of new environmental regulations, including establishing a new Expert Group to advise the IMO on technical issues related to the implementation of its new EEDI scheme. He further discussed the association’s efforts with regards to the implementation of ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

Mr. Ueda also stressed, however, that classification societies must play a larger role, in the industry’s environmental efforts, saying: “Classification societies are uniquely placed to take the lead in confronting the challenges posed by emissions and must serve as a bridge between all sectors of the industry.” He also made clear the need for IACS to develop stronger links with the wider maritime industry, and highlighted IACS’ establishment of a Joint Working Group with other leading maritime bodies in December to ensure the balanced implementation of the EEDI regulations as an important part of that process. “We at IACS have a duty to ensure the work we do and the contribution we make at the IMO reflect the needs, opinions and aspirations of the global maritime industry,” said Mr. Ueda.

At the close of his remarks to the roughly 100 delegates in attendance, Mr. Ueda made a special appeal on behalf of the classification sector, saying: “The international maritime community places a high level of trust in us, and that is a trust which we shall never betray.”