International Maritime Organization Inches Closer to Shipping Decarbonization Measures

(LONDON, United Kingdom) The International Maritime Organization today concluded the 17^th meeting of its Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships. Member state delegations considered proposed mid-term measures, including a global carbon pricing mechanism and a fuel standard, to decarbonize the shipping sector in accordance with the organization’s revised 2023 Strategy on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships, the development of the Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Assessment framework, and the drafted terms of reference for the Fifth IMO Greenhouse Gas Study. 

“The future of a healthy global trade system will be in the hands of the International Maritime Organization next week. Environmental Defense Fund urges member states to seize the momentum to co-design a strong carbon pricing mechanism,” said Angie Farrag-Thibault, Associate Vice-President, Global Transportation. “A flat contribution on emissions, for example in the form of a levy, combined with a global fuel standard that accounts for the full lifecycle emissions of marine fuels will be the fairest and most cost-effective way to decarbonize shipping by bringing more sustainable fuels to market, protecting vulnerable communities and the environment, and ensuring a thriving maritime industry.”

When discussing the suggested economic measures, there was increasing support from member states for a universal carbon price in the form of a flat contribution on emissions, such as in the form of a levy. Such a contribution would generate funds to incentivize the transition to clean shipping and support the needs of climate-vulnerable developing economies. The details of this economic measure, together with those of a global fuel standard, will be discussed next week at the 82^nd meeting of the IMO’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC). 

In its revised 2023 Strategy, the IMO committed to reducing emissions from shipping by up to 30% by 2030 and up to 80% by 2040, achieving net-zero by around 2050. 

As a consultative member of the IMO, Environmental Defense Fund is committed to making the organization’s short-term and mid-term measures a success to decarbonize shipping. Our work centers on bringing scientific knowledge and research to advance international collaboration and ensure a just and equitable transition, while supporting a thriving shipping sector. By bringing relevant scientific knowledge and research to IMO, serving as a trusted advisor to Member States and working with industry partners, EDF strives to ensure policies and projects appropriately protect the climate, human health and the environment.