The World Shipping Council (WSC) has proposed that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) apply mandatory efficiency standards for new and existing ships.

Under the proposal, newly built vessels would be subject to standards requiring them to be built with features and technologies that further improve the energy efficiency of the vessels to reach defined levels.

The standards would be tiered, with higher standards required as technological developments allow further improvements.

As existing vessels have more limited ability to improve efficiency, they would be subject to less aggressive standards.

These standards would be similar in nature to the fuel efficiency standards required of cars and trucks in many countries, The WSC explained.

Chris Koch, president and CEO of the WSC, said: "The WSC and its members hope that the vessel efficiency system proposal will help the IMO develop a specific regulatory regime that would ensure improved efficiency across the world's maritime fleet and reduce CO2 emissions."

"Such action will demonstrate the continued leadership of IMO and the maritime industry in forging progressive solutions that will protect the environment and provide an effective global response to this global issue."

Under the proposal, existing vessels that meet the established efficiency standards would operate free of any fees, while vessels that fail to meet the standards would be subject to a fee assessed for each tonne of fuel consumed.

Fees would be deposited into a fund managed by the IMO.