Welcome to the FMC's Environmental Issues clearinghouse for information on maritime environmental issues, news, resources, laws and regulations, and best practices. Please stay tuned for updates.

Message from the FMC Chairman

Chairman Richard A. Lidinsky, Jr. with International Maritime Organization Secretary General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos at the World Maritime Day Climate Change Conference held on October 16, 2009, in New York City
 

In the coming years, the international ocean transportation industry will only be able to remain efficient, competitive, and reliable if it takes steps to become more sustainable. Our nation's ports will have difficulty handling the necessary flow of cargo if their impacts on surrounding air quality prevent needed expansion and modernization.

As oil becomes increasingly scarce and the world takes steps to address climate change, ocean vessel operators have begun to recognize the importance of measures to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Most studies have found that the international ocean shipping industry accounts for roughly three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This means that if the ocean shipping industry were a country, it would rank seventh in the world in emissions. Recognizing that any future accord to address climate change may include this important sector, many in the industry have begun taking steps to ensure they remain sound in a carbon-constrained future.

In our role as a regulator of marine terminal operators and ocean carriers, the FMC has seen environmental issues become increasingly central to the agreements and shipping practices we monitor and regulate. As ports and ocean carriers adjust to reduce their environmental footprint, the FMC will serve as a helpful partner. As Chairman, one of my top priorities for the FMC is helping advance the Obama Administration's goals of creating green jobs and seeking a more sustainable approach to maritime issues.

--FMC Chairman Richard A. Lidinsky, Jr.

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