IMO Makes Strides Towards Net-Zero: Advancing the Framework for Greenhouse Gas Reduction in Shipping

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) continues to make significant headway in developing a comprehensive and legally binding framework aimed at cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. The latest milestone was reached at the conclusion of the 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), which took place from September 30 to October 4, 2024.

The session saw crucial progress towards implementing the ambitious GHG reduction targets set out in the 2023 IMO Strategy for the Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships.

A Step Closer to Binding Regulations

During the week-long meeting, Member States engaged in intensive discussions that brought them closer to aligning their positions on key elements of the proposed regulations. The session produced a draft legal text outlining the "mid-term measures" for GHG reduction, marking a significant step towards formalizing these measures. These mid-term measures are expected to be adopted in 2025 and aim to propel the shipping industry towards achieving net-zero GHG emissions around 2050.

The mid-term measures build upon the "short-term measures" already in place and introduce a goal-based marine fuel standard. This standard will gradually mandate the use of fuels with lower GHG intensity, while a global maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanism will be established to drive the sector's transition towards sustainability.

These initiatives are designed to curb emissions in line with the IMO's long-term decarbonisation targets, ensuring that international shipping plays its part in combating climate change.

Shaping the Future: The Draft Legal Text

The draft legal text produced by MEPC 82 represents a collaborative effort that brings together the insights and proposals from various Member States and international organisations. The proposals include potential amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), particularly Annex VI. If adopted, these amendments would enshrine the new measures into international maritime law, compelling global compliance.

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In addition to drafting the legal framework, the session also explored establishing an IMO GHG Intensity Registry and an IMO fund or facility to support the implementation of both technical and economic elements of the GHG reduction strategy.

These discussions signal the IMO's commitment to creating a robust infrastructure that supports the industry's transition to a low-carbon future.

A Constructive Dialogue and Vision for the Future

The constructive nature of the discussions at MEPC 82 was highlighted by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. In his closing remarks, Dominguez acknowledged the dedication demonstrated by the delegates and expressed optimism about reaching an agreement at the next session. “Your continued commitment has allowed us to identify further areas of convergence on defining the legal framework for the IMO Net Zero Framework. I am convinced that at the next session, we will achieve consensus,” he stated.

The next session, MEPC 83, is scheduled to take place from April 7 to April 11, 2025. During this session, Member States are expected to approve the proposed amendments, paving the way for their formal adoption in October 2025.

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The time leading up to MEPC 83 will be crucial for resolving outstanding areas of divergence and refining the draft text, ensuring that the final measures reflect a balanced and effective approach to GHG reduction.

Upcoming Negotiations and Intersessional Meetings

As the negotiations continue, several intersessional meetings have been planned to refine the mid-term measures. The Intersessional Working Group on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG) will convene twice before MEPC 83. The first meeting (ISWG-GHG 18) is scheduled for February 17-21, 2025, followed by ISWG-GHG 19, which will occur immediately before the MEPC 83 session in April 2025.

Further, the Intersessional Working Group on Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency (ISWG-APEE 1) will meet the week before MEPC 83 to address challenges related to the short-term GHG reduction measure and to draft amendments or new instruments.

Additionally, a one-day GHG-Expert Workshop (GHG-EW 6) will discuss the potential impacts of the proposed mid-term measures on global food security, although the date is yet to be confirmed.

Key Decisions Beyond GHG Reduction

While the focus of the MEPC 82 session was on GHG reduction, several other critical decisions were made. These include:

Addressing Challenges in Short-Term Measures: The Committee identified gaps in the short-term GHG reduction measure, known as the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), to facilitate its review and improvement.
Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI: The designation of the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as Emission Control Areas (ECAs) was approved, introducing stricter limits for nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter in these regions.
Reduction of Underwater Noise: An Action Plan was adopted to minimize underwater noise from commercial shipping, alongside guidance for its implementation during an experience-building phase.
Ship Recycling Regulations: Provisional guidance was approved for implementing the Hong Kong and Basel Conventions concerning the transboundary movement of ships intended for recycling, enhancing regulatory clarity and environmental safeguards.
Reducing Risks from Plastic Pellets: The Committee advanced efforts to mitigate environmental risks associated with the maritime transport of plastic pellets, recognising the potential for significant marine pollution.
Designation of New Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSA): The Nusa Penida Islands and Gili Matra Islands in the Lombok Strait were designated as new PSSAs, emphasising the need for heightened protection due to their ecological and cultural significance.

Towards a Sustainable Maritime Industry

The IMO's progress in developing the net-zero framework marks a critical juncture for the maritime industry, which is responsible for nearly 3% of global GHG emissions. With international shipping as a vital component of global trade, the transition towards sustainable practices is not just an environmental imperative but also a necessity for the industry's long-term viability. The IMO’s efforts to implement binding GHG regulations signal a transformative shift that will require collaboration across nations, industries, and regulatory bodies.

The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, with numerous technical, economic, and legal issues to resolve. However, the ongoing commitment of IMO Member States and stakeholders represents a shared recognition of the need to act decisively in the face of climate change. As the framework takes shape, it promises to drive innovation and foster a more resilient, low-carbon maritime sector that aligns with global sustainability goals.

The upcoming MEPC sessions and intersessional meetings will be pivotal in determining the final shape of the IMO's net-zero framework. Stakeholders across the shipping industry should prepare for the implementation of these regulations, which will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of international maritime operations.

The full meeting summary, including detailed outcomes and decisions from MEPC 82, will be made available soon, providing further insights into the evolving regulatory landscape aimed at making shipping greener and more sustainable.