The International Maritime Organization (IMO) unveiled its strategies to decarbonize global shipping by 2050. This announcement was made during the Bonn Climate Change Conference 2024 in Germany, specifically at the 10th session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technical Advice (SBSTA 60) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held June 3-13.
IMO’s decarbonization plan
Camille Bourgeon, Technical Officer of IMO’s Marine Environment Division, was in charge of the presentation of the document which details concrete actions to convert the 2023 Strategy on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) Emissions into an action plan. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (GHG) into legally binding regulations applicable worldwide. In his speech, Bourgeon highlighted the unanimous commitment of IMO Member States to translate these commitments into obligations under the MARPOL Convention.
[post_relacionado]IMO’s 2023 Strategy sets ambitious targets to achieve net zero GHG emissions from ships by 2050. In addition, intermediate milestones have been set for 2030 and 2040, with the goal of reducing emissions by at least 20% by 2030 and 70% by 2040. It is also proposed that at least 5% of the fuels used in shipping should be zero-emission by 2030.
Short-, medium- and long-term measures
To achieve these objectives, IMO is developing and implementing short-, medium- and long-term measures. From 2023, mandatory short-term regulations requiring compliance with energy efficiency and carbon intensity standards for ships have been implemented. Proposals for medium-term measures are currently under discussion, including a regulation on reducing the GHG intensity of marine fuels and a pricing mechanism for GHG emissions.
In March, the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee approved a draft “net-zero emissions framework,” the first step toward incorporating these measures into international law in the medium term. In parallel, IMO is assessing the potential impacts of these measures on States and their fleets, with an expert seminar scheduled for September in London to discuss preliminary results.
The presentation also addressed other IMO regulatory efforts, such as assessing the life-cycle GHG intensity of marine fuels, improving energy efficiency regulations, and developing safety standards for ships using new technologies and alternative fuels. In addition, support for developing countries, especially small island states and least developed countries, in the implementation of the IMO GHG Strategy was highlighted.
Follow us on social networks and don’t miss any of our publications!
YouTube LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X
Source: imo.org
Photo: Shutterstock