Global Ocean Commission News

Trident Alliance has invited representatives from national and European authorities and NGO’s to discuss how effective enforcement of sulphur regulations can be achieved on the high seas. The event will take place on March 3 during the European Shipping Week in Brussels. The ECA zones 0.1 % Sulphur limit came into force as of January 1, 2015. Trident Alliance said robust enforcement is necessary to achieve the intended benefits to health and the environment, and is also critical to ensuring fair competition. Compliance comes at unprecedented expense, Trident Alliance noted. Notwithstanding recent drops in oil prices, the price differential between HFO and MGO has changed little. Switching to lower sulphur MGO almost doubles fuel costs.

The health of the global ocean is in decline and an integrated rescue package needs to be applied over the next five years, according to The Global Ocean Commission, made up of former Heads of State, Government, ministers and prominent business leaders. The Commission has spent 18 months investigating the decline of the global ocean and developed a rescue package of eight proposals to restore and protect its natural capital and services. "Unless we turn the tide on ocean decline within five years, the international community should consider turning the high seas into an off-limits regeneration zone until its condition is restored," said José María Figueres, Co-chair of the Commission.

The SOS 2013 program will take on the issues that are challenging access to ocean areas and resources by responsible industry operators. Click here to see the program. This global gathering of the diverse ocean business community is not a conference to discuss the issues, enjoy some networking and hope someone else will do something. The SOS is a working meeting to advance industry leadership and collaboration on shared ocean sustainability risks and opportunities through WOC programs. ■ A keynote address by Admiral White, Oceanographer of the U.S.

The Global Ocean Commission name chairs of a special plenary Sustainable Ocean Summit session to be held in Washington DC, in April 2013. Global Ocean Commission names Costa Rican President José María Figueres and South African cabinet minister Trevor Manuel, to chair Special SOS Session for business input to the Commission. This new ‘Global Ocean Commission - Ocean Industry Forum’ session at SOS 2013 on 24 April will provide a key opportunity for the ocean business community to engage directly with the Commissioners and provide industry input. “As the Commission embarks on its journey, it is essential that we gain input and expertise from all sectors involved with the global ocean,” said President Figueres.