IMO makes progress on global shipping decarbonization framework
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has made significant strides towards establishing a global framework for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. At the recent MEPC 82 session, member states identified areas of convergence and produced a draft legal text for the proposed “mid-term measures.”
These mid-term measures, which build upon existing short-term measures, include a goal-based marine fuel standard and a global maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanism. The aim is to drive the shipping industry’s transition to net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
The draft legal text, which proposes amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, will be further refined through negotiations leading up to MEPC 83 in April 2025.
“I welcome your continued demonstrated commitment. It has allowed us to identify further areas of convergence on defining the legal framework for the IMO Net Zero Framework, that will effectively guide the next round of dialogue. I am convinced that at the next session, you will reach an agreement,” IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, said in his closing remarks at the meeting.
The committee has scheduled inter-sessional working groups and a GHG-Expert Workshop to address specific challenges and gaps related to the mid-term measures.
In addition to GHG reduction, MEPC 82 also addressed other important issues, such as identifying challenges related to the short-term GHG reduction measure (CII), designating new Emission Control Areas, and approving an Action Plan for Underwater Noise Reduction.
