Just yesterday I was pondering the logic of President Trump imposing tariffs that have badly impacted shipping companies, now we learn that it’s not simply shipping he has his sights on, but seemingly the wellbeing of the world.
As MEPC 83 met for the third day, The Motorship has learned that Trump’s administration has sent a letter vowing “reciprocal measures” if “blatantly unfair” carbon taxes are levied against US ships.
MEPC 83 is aiming to reach an agreement on ways to reduce GHGs from shipping and has already sparked some controversy, for instance a protest against biofuels being included in the Global Fuel Standard. Trump, never wanting to be outdone, has taken his protest to the next level, looking to block the entire decarbonisation plans altogether.
The letter, circulated to embassies of countries in attendance to the meeting (lest not forget an arm of the UN) states: “President Trump has made it clear that the US will not accept any international environmental agreement that unduly or unfairly burdens the US or the interest of the American people.”
Measures under discussion at MEPC 83 include whether to tax shipping emissions through a carbon credits trading scheme or a flat-rate tax on emissions.
Alarmingly, Trump warns of “reciprocal measures so as to offset any fees charged to US ships” which given his proposed $1.5 million levy for all Chinese built containerships calling at US ports (China has over 80% of the container market) the mind boggles as to what these measures might entail.
Trump is trying to build alliances in his battle against the IMO (and perhaps the world), urging governments to “reconsider its support for the GHG emissions measures under consideration”. With the US’ financial muscle some may be persuaded to follow and failing that, its military prowess doesn’t seem a step too far at the moment.
To be fair, Trump is not known for his environmental concern, boycotting the Paris Climate Agreement during his first administration. Given his trusted adviser Elon Musk’s role in forwarding the electric car revolution, for many a pro environmental move, Trump’s position appears even more odd.
This is not the plot of a lost Ionesco theatre of the absurd play, just yet another development in Trump’s rather aggressive maritime policy. But having attended the IMO earlier this year, one voice can’t undo the concerted efforts of 175 countries in attendance. Despite its best efforts, we hope.
