But delegates also heard how a voluntary shift to new technology and socially responsible policies could help shipping companies to safeguard not only the planet but also their own future through improved business potential, cost efficiencies and public image.

Some 40 speakers representing government, regulators, classification societies, operators and equipment manufacturers were chaired by Andreas Chrysostomou, multilateral affairs co-ordinator in the Cyprus merchant shipping ministry, who is also chairman of the MEPC.

Underlining support for a pro-active approach, the event featured the presentation of the inaugural Green Ship Technology Award, which went to Alfa Laval’s PureBallast system. The 2009 award will be presented at the 6th annual Green Ship conference in Hamburg, which takes place on March 24-25 next year.

Hans Meijer, clean air policy officer in the European Commission transport department, stressed that the European Union would be ready next year to present proposals on air pollution and climate change caused by ships if no firm agreements emerged via the IMO.

;'The EU supports shipping because it’s cheap, reliable and reduces road traffic, he said. 'But 50% of Europe’s air pollution will come from shipping by 2020 if nothing happens. Studies show that life expectancy in northern Europe could rise by 1.5 months in that time if we take real measures, which can be done more economically than land-based initiatives, but we need to act fast.'

He indicated that, while the EU broadly supported IMO efforts to reduce SOx, NOx and CO2 emissions, there were concerns at the scale of the task facing the MEPC. 'There are three SOx options on the table, for instance, and a decision has to be taken this year or we will act ourselves, he warned.

'On CO2 greenhouse gas emissions, overall we are aiming for reductions of 20% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, so shipping has a large part to play. Even though it is performing a transport service for others, this is not a reason for exclusion. The IMO has yet to decide whether CO2 measures will be mandatory or voluntary, when they will be implemented and whether this will require a new annex of MARPOL. This would take six or seven years, which would not be acceptable.'

Meanwhile, he added, the EU was preparing its own mandatory policy options as a precaution. These included bringing shipping into emissions trading schemes, variable harbour dues based on greenhouse gas emissions and binding CO2 index limits for ships visiting EU ports.

Henk Merkus, deputy head of maritime shipping and head of the MEPC delegation in the Netherlands transport ministry, reinforced the call for political intervention if the IMO does not produce results.

'It is in the interest of all EU member states to take an ambitious line and form a united front to achieve a sharp reduction in emissions', he said, adding that North Sea particulate matter emissions were found to have the largest impact on health and nature compared with other sectors such as road transport and agriculture. ‘Highly ambitious’ remedies would be more cost effective at sea than on land.