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Hearing

The Path to a Carbon-Free Maritime Industry: Investments and Innovation

2167 Rayburn House Office Building

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0 Tuesday, January 14, 2020 @ 10:00 | Contact: Justin Harclerode 202-225-9446


This is a hearing of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Official Transcript

Witness List:

Mr. Joshua Berger, Governor's Maritime Sector Lead, State of Washington | Written Testimony
Mr. John Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer, World Shipping Council | Written Testimony
Ms. Lee Kindberg, Director, Environment & Sustainability, Maersk Line/Maersk Agency USA | Written Testimony
Mr. Peter Bryn, Technical Solutions Manager, North America, ABB Marine & Ports | Written Testimony
Ms. Kathy Metcalf, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Shipping of America | Written Testimony

Opening remarks, as prepared, of Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Ranking Member Bob Gibbs (R-OH):

International shipping contributes 3% of total global emission of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and carbon dioxide emissions.  The International Maritime Organization which administers the Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships set targets for the reduction of sulfur emissions which went into effect at the beginning of this month.  I look forward to hearing what industry is doing to reach these targets which took effect earlier in the North American and European emission control areas.

IMO also set targets for significant further reductions in vessel air emissions in 2030 (40% percent below 2008) and 2050 (70% below 2008 levels).  I am interested in whether the witnesses believe these targets can be met, and if so, at what cost.  

IMO also sets international standards for various other discharges from vessels, including oil, garbage (including plastic), wastewater, and ballast water.  Efforts are also underway to require that ships be quieter.  I think we need to look at the impacts of all these regulations on the shipping industry, and I look to witness’ comments on the collective impact of these various environmental regulations on the cost and efficiency of ocean shipping.
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