The upcoming 83rd meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) of the International Maritime Organization marks a significant point for the shipping industry, with critical decisions expected. In this context, the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association (KBRV) is sharing insights from notable maritime leaders. This week, Marc Nuytemans, a Board Member of KBRV, discusses the necessary conditions for successful decarbonization in shipping.
Nuytemans emphasizes the importance of having a stable framework to guide long-term investments in the industry. He argues that, “Given the fact that you need to make long-term investments, you need a framework to operate in.” He believes that regulators play a crucial role in facilitating this transition, but current national and regional regulations may not be suitable for the global shipping industry.
According to Nuytemans, regulations should not be overly prescriptive, as shipowners inherently possess the creativity required to devise innovative solutions. He points out a fundamental challenge: “The biggest issue the maritime industry faces is that we are trying to regulate an international business with national legislation. It just doesn’t work.”
To drive innovation and sustainability in shipping, a global framework is essential. Nuytemans states, “There needs to be a global framework for shipowners to which they can contribute equally each to its part.” He concludes with a call to action for the shipping sector, emphasizing its significant role in the global economy: “If the shipping industry is responsible for 85% of the world’s external trade, they should be at the forefront of leading the world to a more stable decarbonised future.”