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New Framework for Net-Zero Emissions in Maritime Shipping Approved by IMO
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved a new framework aimed at achieving net-zero emissions from the maritime sector by 2050. This decision was made during a session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and will undergo formal adoption in October 2025, with implementation set for 2027. The regulations specifically target large ocean-going vessels weighing over 5,000 gross tonnage, which are responsible for approximately 85 percent of carbon dioxide emissions from global shipping.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has celebrated this agreement, underscoring the collaborative efforts that made it possible. He stated, “The approval of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI mandating the IMO net-zero framework represents another significant step in our collective efforts to combat climate change, to modernize shipping and demonstrates that IMO delivers on its commitments.”
MARPOL Annex VI is part of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and focuses on mitigating air pollution. It already mandates energy efficiency standards for vessels and is currently endorsed by 108 parties, covering roughly 97 percent of the world’s merchant shipping fleet by tonnage.
Challenging Negotiations
The negotiations in London leading up to this decision were reportedly fraught with difficulties. Media outlets have indicated that about a dozen countries, including the United States, opposed the proposed framework before it was finally put to a vote and approved.
A Pivotal Moment for Maritime Emissions Regulation
This new framework employs a dual approach: it sets a global fuel standard that aims to progressively reduce the greenhouse gas fuel intensity of marine fuels while also implementing a greenhouse gas pricing mechanism. This pricing system will require ships that exceed emissions limits to purchase remedial units to counterbalance their additional pollution. Conversely, vessels with zero or near-zero emissions will receive financial incentives, fostering a competitive environment for cleaner technologies in maritime transport.
Assisting Vulnerable Nations
Another significant aspect of this framework is the establishment of the IMO Net-Zero Fund, which will gather revenues from the carbon pricing mechanism. This fund is intended to support innovation and infrastructure development, particularly in developing countries. It aims to help mitigate the adverse impacts on vulnerable nations, including small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs), which often face the harshest consequences of climate change alongside economic challenges within the shipping industry.
Looking Ahead: Adoption and Implementation Timeline
The draft regulations are expected to undergo formal adoption in October 2025. If ratified, as anticipated during the upcoming IMO session, these measures will be enforced starting in 2027. This timeline allows the industry to prepare for the new requirements and invest in alternative fuels and technologies for sustainable shipping.
The Role of the International Maritime Organization
The IMO serves as the United Nations’ specialized agency responsible for ensuring the safety and security of global shipping while addressing the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. Established in 1948 and based in London, the organization is instrumental in developing international treaties, such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and MARPOL.
Source
news.un.org