BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. The International Maritime Organization (IMO, UN body) has made significant progress in discussing mandatory rules aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping, Trend reports via IMO.
“Following the 82nd session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee, held in London, the organization's member states announced the convergence of their positions and prepared a draft document as a basis for negotiations on medium-term measures to reduce GHG emissions (they are planned to be approved in 2025),” the information noted.
The proposed medium-term measures to reduce emissions include a target standard for marine fuel, which will be introduced in stages and will become mandatory (the use of fuel with lower GHG emissions), as well as an international mechanism for setting prices for GHG emissions from ships.
The measures are aimed at incentivizing the transition of the international shipping industry to achieve zero GHG emissions by 2050.
The draft legal document prepared at the 82nd session brings together proposals by Member States and international organizations on possible amendments to be made to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL, Annex VI).
“Also at the London session, the possible establishment of an IMO GHG emissions intensity registry and an IMO fund to facilitate the implementation of technical elements and economic measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions were discussed,” the statement notes.
The next session will be held on April 7-11, 2025, and it will have to approve amendments to reduce GHG emissions before their official adoption in October 2025.
To note, Azerbaijan is a member of the IMO.