Key Progress on Global Shipping Rules to Cut Pollution
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is working hard to reduce pollution from ships and create rules for cleaner shipping. Their recent meeting made important progress toward a big goal: achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
The 82nd session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) took place from September 30 to October 4, 2024. During the event, countries worldwide agreed on new ideas and produced a draft legal plan. This plan will serve as the base for future discussions to finalize the new shipping rules, expected to be approved in April 2025 and adopted later in the year.
What Are the New Shipping Rules?
The proposed rules, called mid-term measures, aim to reduce harmful emissions and promote the use of cleaner fuels. These new rules build on earlier “short-term” efforts that have already started. Here’s what the new measures include:
- Cleaner Fuels Standard: Ships will be required to use fuels with lower GHG emissions.
- Global Emissions Pricing: Shipping companies will need to pay a price for the emissions they produce, encouraging them to reduce pollution.
These rules are designed to help the shipping industry achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 or as close as possible.
The Next Steps in Finalizing the Plan
The draft plan includes possible changes to MARPOL (Annex VI), the international law that focuses on reducing pollution from ships. If countries agree to these changes, the new rules will become part of global maritime law.
The IMO also talked about creating a GHG Intensity Registry to track emissions and setting up a fund to help shipowners implement the new rules.
The MEPC will meet again from April 7 to 11, 2025, for its 83rd session, where members are expected to approve the new rules. After that, formal adoption is planned for October 2025.
Key Quotes
At the end of the meeting, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez praised the efforts of the countries involved, saying:
“I welcome your commitment, which has brought us closer to defining a solid legal framework. I believe you will reach an agreement at the next session.”
Upcoming Meetings
The IMO has scheduled important meetings before the next big session to continue working on the details:
- ISWG-GHG 18: February 17-21, 2025
- ISWG-GHG 19: Week before April 7, 2025
- ISWG-APEE 1: Also in early April 2025, to review short-term measures and discuss solutions for air pollution.
- GHG-Expert Workshop: This one-day event will focus on how the new rules could affect food security. The date is still to be confirmed.
Other Key Decisions
Apart from cutting GHG emissions, the IMO’s committee made several other important decisions:
- Air Pollution Control: New rules were approved to limit pollution in the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea.
- Noise Reduction: A plan was adopted to reduce underwater noise from ships, which can harm marine life.
- Ship Recycling Rules: Guidance was provided on recycling ships in line with international rules.
- Plastic Transport Safety: Work is underway to reduce the environmental risks of moving plastic pellets by sea.
- Protected Sea Areas: The IMO designated the Nusa Penida Islands and Gili Matra Islands as special zones that need extra protection.
Conclusion
The IMO is making steady progress toward cleaner shipping. With new rules expected to be finalized by 2025, the shipping industry is on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The next steps will focus on refining the plan and resolving any disagreements before the new rules are approved.