USCG’s Jeffrey Lantz to Anchor IMO2020 Enforcement Discussion at SHIPPINGInsight Conference

STAMFORD, Conn. – August 14, 2019 Mr. Jeffrey Lantz, Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards (CG-5PS) U.S. Coast Guard will be anchoring the roundtable “Solving the Enforcement Conundrum” at this year’s SHIPPINGInsight Conference. He will be joined by shipowners, flag and solution providers to engage in the realities for global implementation as enforcement must be uniform and consistent. The SHIPPINGInsight Fleet Optimization and Innovation Conference and Exhibition will be held October 15-17th in Stamford, Connecticut. This global event brings together shipowners, solutions providers, and others to navigate the myriad of changes and challenges confronting the maritime industry today.

“With each day, we draw closer to the IMO2020 Sulphur reduction coming into force January 1st,” observed Carleen Lyden Walker, SHIPPINGInsight’s Chief Evolution Officer. “Much has been written about preparation, strategies, enforcement and more. It is surprising, however, that many companies are coming down to the wire.” The agreement to reduce Sulphur to .5% on a global basis was made in 2008, with the only variable being implementation in 2020 or 2025. SHIPPINGInsight will be holding a roundtable session on how enforcement of IMO 2020 is expected to be managed, and the realities of enforcement.

Recent conversations have questioned enforcement challenging how countries move forward, especially in light of Indonesia’s statement they will not require their national vessels to be compliant until their reserve of 3.5% fuel is depleted.

“The discussion about enforcement is one of the cornerstones of this year’s SHIPPINGInsight conference” claimed Walker. “The industry requires a level playing field in which to operate where regulations are applied equally. While there is most likely going to be an initial period of accommodation due to fuel availability or compliance snags, we need to be seen as vigilant in our enforcement.”

The successful implementation of IMO2020 is critically important for the shipping industry not only for reducing impacts on the environment but because the shipping industry is in the crosshairs of the world’s environmental and governmental communities.

“We are being watched to see how successful our attempt at self-regulation is deployed as a benchmark for the next global challenge: GHG reduction” claims Walker. “If IMO, and the shipping industry at large, cannot deliver an effective, GLOBAL, enactment of this impending regulation, our hopes of being able to chart our own course for GHG reduction will be dramatically reduced.” Early bird registration is available until September 6th.

About SHIPPINGInsight
Originally established in 2012, SHIPPINGInsight has grown steadily each year. Focusing on fleet optimization and innovation, the event provides a forum for shipowners and solution providers to exchange ideas and discuss challenges in facing the transformation of the industry. More than 250 delegates from 17 countries attended the 2018 event, including 45 shipping company executives. For more information, please visit www.shippinginsight.com.