The huge divergence on shipping’s CO2 emission promises spilled out onto social media this morning as the chief lobbyist for shipowners lashed out at one of the nations seeking the greatest and quickest emission targets.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which is representing the world’s national shipowners’ associations and over 80% of the world merchant fleet at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 23) in Bonn this week, took to Twitter today to decry one its chief critics in the increasingly fierce environmental debate surrounding the future of shipping.

ICS said the “inflexible” and “unrealistic stance” of the Marshall Islands, both at the International Maritime Organization and in Bonn, risks consensus address shipping’s stance on CO2.

No. The inflexible & unrealistic stance of Marshall Islands – both at IMO and in Bonn – risks impeding consensus to address shipping's CO2 https://t.co/rjjlTDM1tt — ICS shipping (@shippingics) November 8, 2017

The Marshall Islands has led a clutch of Pacific island nations that are in danger of disappearing off the map thanks to rising seas in calling for the most aggressive shipping emission cuts. ICS, however, said today that a 100% cut in shipping emissions by 2035 – as called for by the Marshall Islands – is “not possible”.

Just MI statement on shipping. You heard ICS statement yesterday on need for ambitious IMO objectives, but 100% cut by 2035 not possible https://t.co/aF3qHBDuPa — ICS shipping (@shippingics) November 8, 2017

The chamber’s director of policy, Simon Bennett explained earlier this week: “ICS has a vision of zero CO2 emissions from shipping in the second half of the century. We are confident this will be achievable with alternative fuels and new propulsion technologies.”

Bennett went on to add that the chamber was falling in line with emission cut proposals put forward by Japan.

“Japan has set out in detail to IMO how a 50% total cut by 2060 might be achieved. In view of projections for future trade growth, an objective in this range, while still incredibly ambitious, therefore seems more realistic,” Bennett said.

Whatever is decided, ICS believes that the entire world fleet is unlikely to enjoy global access to new alternative fuels for at least another 20 or 30 years.

An environmental gathering held at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters last month showed the difficulties the industry faces in reaching consensus on CO2 cuts ahead of the important next meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) in April next year.

Nevertheless, the ICS remains confident the UN body can lead shipping to a suitable CO2 agreement in the coming months.

“[W]e are very confident of IMO success. Most States including EU nations and big economies like China India & Brazil are very constructive,” ICS stated in a later Tweet today.