October 09, 2024
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has achieved key progress in negotiations towards a set of binding global regulations on the IMO net-zero framework, aimed at achieving the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction objectives set out in the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships.
At the conclusion of the 82nd session of IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) held September 30 to October 4, 2024, Member States had identified further areas of convergence in their positions. They produced a draft legal text to use as a basis for ongoing talks around the proposed "mid-term measures" for GHG reduction, which are expected to be adopted in 2025.
These proposed "mid-term GHG reduction measures" (which build on previously adopted "short-term measures") include a goal-based marine fuel standard that will phase in the mandatory use of fuels with less GHG intensity and a global maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanism. They are aimed at driving the international shipping industry's transition to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by or around, i.e. close to, 2050.
The draft legal text produced by MEPC 82 integrates inputs and proposals from Member States and international organizations on possible amendments to be made to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL, Annex VI). If adopted, these amendments would incorporate the proposed new measures into international law.
A period of negotiations lies ahead between now and the next MEPC meeting, to resolve areas of divergence, and further refine the draft text before approval at MEPC 83 in April 2025 and adoption in Autumn 2025.
Source: IMO