IMO meeting proposes measures to cut maritime emissions in developing nations

Developing countries need to link alternative fuel supply targets and investments with the shipping sector, according to experts at a joint conference conducted by the IMO, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and Norway Innovation Forum.

PHOTO: Aerial view of Port of Mundra in Gujurat, India. Youtube of Adani Ports

Maritime specialists outlined measures to support developing nations in achieving net-zero shipping by 2050 during the IMO-UNEP-Norway Innovation Forum event.

They recommended that these countries should establish national goals to reduce domestic shipping emissions, aligning them with the IMO's 2023 GHG strategy to facilitate the transition to net-zero emissions in their respective shipping sectors.

Delegates stressed that national decarbonisation plans for shipping should be integrated with national projects, port investments and broader national action plans. As part of these strategies, governments should ensure a reliable supply of low- and zero-emission fuels, specifically for the shipping industry.

The need for cross-sectoral collaboration and tailored funding models was also highlighted, particularly for island nations, where many small vessel owners operate only one or two vessels.

To support these initiatives, developed nations and multilateral banks should provide shipping-focused financial aid to developing countries through “bankable project proposals” and create resources to facilitate access to finance, experts said.

By Konica Bhatt

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