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The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) kicked off European Shipping Week at a joint workshop in Brussels with the European Commission (EC) represented by speakers from the Transport, the Environment and the Climate Action departments.

The subjects covered by IACS speakers included LNG as a fuel - highlighting the "importance of harmonious regulations" - and new IACS post Panamax Containership structural regulation.

EC speakers discussed the implementation of the sulphur directive and the forthcoming EU regulation for the monitoring, reporting and verification of ships' carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, setting out the EU rules and future input for a global scheme.

Philippe Donche-Gay, the IACS Chairman, stressed the need to engage with the EC, whilst Christine Berg, the head of maritime safety at the EC, spoke about the "vitality" of the relationship between IACS and the EC.

"It was a fitting start to the week at a well-attended session engaging representatives from the worldwide membership of IACS and from the EU institutions," IACS said in a statement.