The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted a revised strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships, setting out a vision to phase them out as soon as possible and promoting a just and equitable transition. The 2023 IMO GHG Strategy, adopted at the 80th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80) in July 2023, represents a significant step forward in the global fight against climate change and the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
The 2023 IMO GHG Strategy includes the following key elements:
- A vision that confirms IMO’s commitment to reducing GHG emissions from international shipping and to phasing them out as soon as possible, while ensuring the continued development of the maritime sector and its services.
- Levels of ambition that aim to reduce the carbon intensity of international shipping by at least 40% by 2030, and to increase the uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels and/or energy sources by at least 5%, striving for 10%, by 2030.
- Candidate mid- and long-term further measures with possible timelines and their impacts on States, such as the introduction of a carbon pricing mechanism, the establishment of an emission reduction target for the sector, and the development of low- and zero-carbon fuels and energy sources.
- Guiding principles that ensure the strategy is consistent with the IMO’s objectives and principles, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the best available science, and the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
- Barriers and supportive measures that address the challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the strategy, such as capacity building, technical cooperation, research and development, and data collection and analysis.
The 2023 IMO GHG Strategy is the result of extensive consultations and negotiations among IMO Member States and other stakeholders, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of the issue. The strategy is also a living document that will be reviewed and revised periodically, taking into account the latest scientific and technological developments, as well as the socio-economic impacts of the measures.
Read More: COP28 Climate Innovation Forum Convenes Tech Leaders To Discuss Climate Solutions
The adoption of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy is welcomed by the shipping industry, which has been calling for a clear and ambitious direction from the IMO to decarbonize the sector and to stimulate innovation and investment in green solutions. The strategy is also supported by environmental groups, which see it as a positive signal that the IMO is taking its responsibility seriously and is willing to lead the way towards a sustainable future for shipping and the planet.
