IMO Secretary-General urges states to find common ground as shipping climate talks start in London

October 1, 2024, by Fatima Bahtić

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has urged countries to focus on solutions and areas of convergence as ongoing negotiations on cutting emissions from ships at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) begin this week in London.

Credit: The International Maritime Organization (IMO)

The 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) is taking place from September 30 to October 4, gathering global representatives to tackle vital environmental challenges under the IMO’s jurisdiction.

At the forefront of discussions is the urgent need to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping.

The IMO plans to implement a new set of binding mid-term GHG reduction measures by late 2025. MEPC 82 aims to make progress on the draft legal text that will establish these measures, including a global fuel standard and a pricing mechanism for GHG emissions in shipping, as part of international law. The ultimate goal is to accelerate efforts toward achieving net-zero shipping by around 2050.

In addition to GHG emissions, MEPC 82 will address the energy efficiency of ships, marine plastic pollution, ballast water management, air quality measures, underwater noise, and other critical topics.

Speaking at this year’s opening ceremony, Secretary-General Dominguez emphasized the importance of focusing on key objectives as the Committee approaches its final sessions before next autumn’s decision. He urged members to seek areas of compromise, address concerns during the transition, and pursue solutions that are acceptable to everyone.

“The most relevant point is that we should focus on finding solutions that should enable us to move forward together. It is important to remember that we all share the same goals here at IMO. I am encouraged by the commitment shown by all parties to bridge these differences, and I am confident that this will allow us to progress on draft amendments for both the GHG fuel intensity requirement and a GHG pricing mechanism, in accordance with the timelines we agreed here, which are set forth in the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy,” Dominguez stated.

Furthermore, IMO Secretary-General addressed the issue of continued attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, pointing out that these incidents not only continue to jeopardize the safety and well-being of seafarers but also have far-reaching consequences for international shipping.

The groundwork for discussions has been laid by the Intersessional Working Group on GHG Emissions (ISWG-GHG 17) which met ahead of MEPC82, from 23 to 27 September.

Member state delegations considered proposed mid-term measures, including a global carbon pricing mechanism and a fuel standard, to decarbonize the shipping sector in accordance with the organization’s revised 2023 Strategy on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships.

When discussing the suggested economic measures, there was increasing support from member states for a universal carbon price in the form of a flat contribution on emissions, such as in the form of a levy. Such a contribution would generate funds to incentivize the transition to clean shipping and support the needs of climate-vulnerable developing economies. The details of this economic measure, together with those of a global fuel standard, will be discussed at MEPC 82.

The Working Group also prepared a consolidated version of possible draft amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL, Annex VI), based on inputs from member states, which will provide the basis for discussions this week, with the understanding that it would not prejudge any possible future changes to its contents and/or structure as deliberations progress.