The EU regulation on monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from ships

Abstract

This thesis delves into the EU Regulation on monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from ships which came into force on the 1st of June 2015. Emissions from the global shipping industry amount to approximately 4% of total EU emissions, however this figure is predicted to rise exponentially if no action is taken. In 2009, the EU committed Europe to become an energy-efficient, low carbon economy through the Climate and Energy Package; and this Regulation works towards that goal. Chapter 1 outlines the international and European climate law regime to provide a solid background on the topic. The Regulation was met with criticism from the shipping industry for having unilateral and extra-territorial effect. Chapter 2 will analyse the obligations and responsibilities of port states, coastal states and flag states arising out of the law of the sea in order to assess any perceived jurisdictional issues. Furthermore, discussions are underway at an international level for the creation of a similar monitoring system, which may result in a new barrage of costs for ship owners and administering states in order to once again adapt to a new system. Chapter 3 will delve into the issue of compliance with relevant international agreements such as inter alia, the United Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. It will also discuss previous examples of EU unilateral action and possible consequences. Finally, the content of the Regulation will be examined and compared to any submissions or discussions at an international level. The Regulation is the first step in achieving an emissions reduction regime, and possible future measures shall be detailed therein.