25th January 2025

SLASPA Maritime Division hosts greenhouse gas reduction meeting

By GIS

The Maritime Division of the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) recently held a focus group discussion that will inform greenhouse gas negotiations with the International Maritime Organization next month.

The International Maritime Organization aims to reduce the maritime sector’s contribution to greenhouse gas levels while balancing the necessity of global trade. Lenita Joseph, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport, spoke on the objectives of the greenhouse gas reduction strategy.

“The strategy aims to enhance the IMO contribution to address greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping; identify appropriate actions to be implemented by the international shipping sector cognizant of the role of international shipping in supporting the continued development of global trade; and identify actions and measures to help achieve the objectives including incentives for research and development and monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping. The strategy sets clear indicators for decarbonization such as reducing shipping greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030; 70% by 2040; and net zero by 2050.”

The focus group discussions were held to field stakeholder perceptions of midterm measures on shipping emissions, including a universal levy on global shipping emissions that can fund the transition to greener maritime practices, and how these measures may affect Caribbean nations that are heavily reliant on maritime transport.

Christopher Alexander, Director of Maritime Affairs stressed the importance of the input of stakeholders in charting the way forward.

“As informed, 34 countries, both developing and developed states expressed support for a universal greenhouse gas levy. Caribbean island states historically secured the majority vote. Today we will agree on a draft outline on the legislative framework needed to ensure Saint Lucia’s economic wellbeing is maintained; that we have a greenhouse pricing mechanism; and also a global fuel standard.”

The discussions will also inform amendments to Saint Lucia’s Marine Protection Bill.

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