THE United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) has revised its strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, including an “enhanced common ambition to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping close to 2050”. Member states unanimously adopted the new policy at a meeting in London last week, with IMO Secretary...
THE United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) has revised its strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, including an “enhanced common ambition to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping close to 2050”.
Member states unanimously adopted the new policy at a meeting in London last week, with IMO Secretary General Kitcak Lim saying the move is a “monumental development [that] opens a new chapter towards maritime decarbonisation”.
Ambitions for the new policy, which applies across the global shipping sector, including cruise and cargo, aim to “reduce the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20%, striving for 30%, by 2030, compared to 2008” and to boost the uptake of low-carbon technologies, fuels and other energy sources to represent at least 5% of the energy used by international shipping by 2030.
Another indicative checkpoint outlined in the policy is to reduce emissions by at least 70%, striving for 80%, by 2040.
The strategy confirms a commitment to phase out GHG emissions from international shipping as a matter of urgency, improving energy efficiency for new ships “while promoting…a just and equitable transition”.
World Travel and Tourism Council Chief Executive Officer Julia Simpson welcomed the plan, urging governments to “actively support sustainable marine fuels, shoreside power and other net-zero technologies in all shipping sectors”.
“Sustainable growth in travel and tourism, including aviation, rail and cruise liners, remains a key objective for the sector worldwide,” she added.
