Marine Log - August 2008 - (Page 26) COVERSTORY Keenan “We support the goal of a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge is to task each emitter with achieving the greatest reduction that can be economically and safely achieved.” es for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships is a cap and trade scheme or a global levy on bunker fuel—a carbon tax. CO 2 indices for ship design and ship operation are already in development. Keenan, however, does not see emissions trading as a real solution to reducing greenhouse gases. He says: “The idea of a cap and trading scheme does not support a true overall reduction in CO2 emissions; it allows someone with money to keep on exceeding the established emission standard rather than seeking and implementing the best available and practical solution to reducing emissions. ICE CLASS TANKERS A better approach is to set meaningful, economically achievable standards that are specific for each industry or industry segment and then require everyone to meet those standards. We support the goal of a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge is to task each emitter with achieving the greatest reduction that can be economically and safely achieved.” REMOVING THE HMT ROADBLOCK Waterborne transit is seen as a possible solution to removing land-side congestion by moving some cargo off of major highways and onto short sea shipping vessels or tugs and barges. Recent initiatives led by the U.S. Maritime Administration, as well as Congressional action, including changes to the Capital Construction Fund (CCF) have pushed short sea shipping closer to becoming a reality. Horizon Lines has been a strong supporter of short sea shipping initiative. Still, one of the major roadblocks to short sea shipping, however, is the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT). “The HMT has been a disincentive for the adoption of new coastwise U.S. shipping services, because shipments that are transshipped would be subject to the HMT both at the first port of discharge and the final destination port,” says Keenan. “However,” he continues, “we are seeing progress. The proposed Senate Bill 3199 would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt coastwise shipping from HMT. “We need some concessions from labor, too,” points out Keenan, “but they are supporting our efforts and I believe we will be able to get something done once HMT goes away.” ML 26 MARINE LOG AUGUST 2008 www.marinelog.com http://www.rubberizer.com http://www.jmsnet.com http://www.rubberizer.com http://www.marinelog.com
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