The Clean Shipping Coalition (CSC) is calling on shipping industry leaders to support a carbon emissions reduction target for their sector, as shipowners and shareholders gather in Brussels for European Shipping Week.

The CSC said that as the only remaining major economic sphere yet to deal with its carbon emissions, shipping must act urgently to do their part to keep the global temperature increase below 2 degrees.

Last year's third International Maritime Organisation study on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions predicted shipping emissions to rise up to 250 percent by 2050, threatening to undermine other initiatives to keep global warming below dangerous levels.

The CSC urged industry groups to work with EU member states and others attending the IMO's environment committee (MEPC68) session this May for an early agreement on mandatory fuel-burn reporting for ships.

The CSC also called on industry groups to push for transparent reporting of ships' energy performance. This information is aimed at enabling shipping users in Europe and worldwide to identify the most efficient ships and practices, leading to increased competition, fuel savings and emissions reductions, and a level playing field for all players.

"Shipping industry groups are on record as supporting efforts to promote sound environmental stewardship, but now they must deliver by pushing for both an emissions cut target and the measures to make it happen," said CSC president John Maggs.

Last year's GHG study by the IMO found that projected growth in demand for shipping will wipe out any improvements in ship efficiency. Last month, the European Commission said that a climate deal in Paris later this year must cover 100 percent of emissions in all sectors, including shipping.