The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported on Tuesday that it has made progress in negotiations for the adoption of a set of binding global rules on the IMO Net Zero Emissions Framework , in order to achieve the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets set out in the IMO 2023 Strategy on Reducing GHG Emissions from Ships.
By the end of the 82nd session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee, held from 30 September to 4 October 2024, Member States had identified new areas of convergence in their positions . They developed a draft legal text that will serve as a basis for ongoing discussions on the proposed “medium-term measures” for GHG reduction, scheduled for adoption in 2025.
These proposed “medium-term GHG reduction measures” (which build on the “short-term measures” adopted earlier) include a target-based maritime fuel standard that will phase in mandatory use of lower GHG-intensive fuels and a global maritime GHG pricing mechanism. They aim to drive the transition of the international shipping sector to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050 at the latest, i.e. close to 2050.
Setting up the IMO Net Zero Emissions Framework
The draft legal text developed by MEPC 82 integrates input and proposals from Member States and international organizations on possible amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Annex VI). If adopted, these amendments will incorporate the proposed new measures into international law.
The session also discussed the possible establishment of an IMO GHG intensity registry and an IMO funding fund/mechanism to facilitate the implementation of the technical and economic elements of GHG reduction measures.
Closing the session, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez praised the constructive atmosphere of this week’s discussions.
“I appreciate the continued commitment that they have shown. It has allowed us to identify new areas of convergence in defining the legal framework of the “IMO Net Zero Emissions Framework”, which will effectively guide the next round of dialogue. I am confident that an agreement will be reached at the next session,” he said.
The MEPC will hold its next session (MEPC 83) from 7 to 11 April 2025, at which the amendments are expected to be approved by Members, prior to their formal adoption in October 2025.
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