Fri 9 Dec 2011 13:14

ITF supports levy on bunker fuel


Federation backs 'green climate fund', which would include a bunker levy and possible shipping emissions tax.



The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) says it is supporting the call for a commitment to find new sources of funding for a ‘green climate fund’ that will assist developing countries to fight poverty and climate change.

This includes introducing a levy on ships' bunker fuel and a possible shipping emissions tax, both of which the ITF believes should be ‘flag blind’ – that is, apply equally to all users.

Speaking from this week's UN COP17 climate change conference in Durban, South Africa, ITF climate change coordinator Alana Dave said: "Negotiations are at a complete standstill – despite us being in a situation where emissions are still rising, the forecasts are becoming increasingly grave, and extraordinary weather conditions are destroying jobs, homes and peoples’ lives."

She continued: "It seems as if narrow economic interests and pressure from multinationals, not least in the fossil fuel industry, are being allowed to override attempts to reach a binding agreement to protect our climate and the future of our planet."

"Despite the enormous potential for change represented by this conference, and at a time when the International Energy Agency's chief economist is warning that we only have five years left to make radical changes to avoid dangerous climate change, this event is looking more and more like one more wasted opportunity."

Also commenting from Durban, Asbjorn Wahl, chair of the ITF climate change working group, explained: "There is an urgent need for a new global agreement that is fair, ambitious and binding. We need a much more ambitious agenda, and we need it immediately. We need to plan a transition to a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy. Restructuring our economies and ambitious mitigation action are vital if we want to leave our children a sustainable world and a chance for social and development goals to be achieved."

The ITF has also organised a two day workshop on the 'reduce-shift-improve' framework which is designed to reduce emissions from transport across different transport modes and world regions.

"Our research indicates that there are many interventions that can be made in the transport sector that both cut emissions and create jobs," said Jane Barrett, policy officer, SATAWU - South African Transport and Allied Workers union.


Lease agreement between Inter Terminals Sweden and the Port of Gothenburg, signed on July 1st. Pictured: Göran Eriksson, CEO of the Port of Gothenburg (left) and Johan Zettergren, Managing Director of Inter Terminals Sweden (right). New Gothenburg lease an opportunity to expand green portfolio: Inter Terminals  

Bunker terminal operator eyes tank conversion and construction projects for renewable products.

Map of US Gulf. Peninsula extends US Gulf operation offshore  

Supplier to focus on Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) in strategy to serve growing client base.

The M/T Jutlandia Swan, operated by Uni-Tankers. Uni-Tankers vessel gets wind-assisted propulsion  

Fourth tanker sails with VentoFoil units as manufacturer says suction wing technology is gaining traction.

Port of Gothenburg Energy Port. Swedish biomethane bunkered in Gothenburg  

Test delivery performed by St1 and St1 Biokraft, who aim to become large-scale suppliers.

Image from Cockett Marine Oil presentation. Cockett to be closed down after 45 years  

End of an era as shareholders make decision based on 'non-core nature' of Cockett's business.

Petrobras logo. Petrobras confirms prompt availability of VLS B24 at Rio Grande  

Lead time for barge deliveries currently five days.

Opening of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), 83rd Session, April 7, 2025. IMO approves pricing mechanism based on GHG intensity thresholds  

Charges to be levied on ships that do not meet yearly GHG fuel intensity reduction targets.

Preemraff Göteborg, Preem's wholly owned refinery in Gothenburg, Sweden. VARO Energy expands renewable portfolio with Preem acquisition  

All-cash transaction expected to complete in the latter half of 2025.

Pictured: Biofuel is supplied to NYK Line's Noshiro Maru. The vessel tested biofuel for Tohoku Electric Power in a landmark first for Japan. NYK trials biofuel in milestone coal carrier test  

Vessel is used to test biofuel for domestic utility company.

Pictured (from left): H-Line Shipping CEO Seo Myungdeuk and HJSC CEO Yoo Sang-cheol at the contract signing ceremony for the construction of an 18,000-cbm LNG bunkering vessel. H-Line Shipping orders LNG bunkering vessel  

Vessel with 18,000-cbm capacity to run on both LNG and MDO.


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