The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has made progress in negotiations towards a set of binding global regulations on the IMO net-zero framework, aimed at achieving the GHG reduction objectives set out in 2023.
After setting out the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships in July 2023, member states – as of the 82nd session of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) in September-October 2024 – have proposed methods to reduce GHG in the mid-term. These include a goal-based marine fuel standard that will phase in the mandatory use of fuels with less GHG intensity and a global maritime GHG emissions pricing apparatus.
The draft legal text produced by MEPC 82 integrates inputs and proposals from member states and international organisations on potential changes to be made to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). If adopted, these changes would incorporate the proposed new measures into international law.
Also discussed during the session was the potential establishment of an IMO GHG Intensity Registry and an IMO fund/facility, enabling implementation of the technical and economic facets of the GHG reduction measures.
The next session, MEPC 83, will be held in April 2025. Members are expected to approve the amendments, ahead of formal adoption in October 2025.
Other key decisions were reached by the committee at MEPC 82, including the approval of an action plan for the reduction of underwater noise from commercial shipping as well as identifying challenges related to the short-term GHG reduction measure.
