IMO’s MEPC79 begins today: what’s on the agenda?
As the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) begins its 79th session today, decarbonisation of the shipping sector is expected to be its primary focus for the next four days.
PHOTO: Street view of the International Maritime Organisation's headquarters in London, England. Getty Images
The most pertinent issue to be discussed is the revision of the initial IMO greenhouse gas (GHG) strategy to reduce the sector's carbon footprint. This meeting will lay the groundwork for the IMO strategy revision in 2023, and its subsequent review in 2028. Discussions will likely focus on changing IMO's carbon emission goal from 50% reduction to "net zero" by 2050, as well as setting 2030 goals.
In a recent Global Maritime Forum insight briefing, a panel of shipping experts led by associate professor Tristan Smith from University College London, and the chief executive of Belgian shipping company CMB Alexander Saverys emphasised the need to set clear 1.5°C-aligned interim targets for GHG reductions for 2030 and 2040 in a revised IMO strategy.
The IMO also plans to develop mid-term technical and economic measures to meet the targets and establish guidelines for assessing greenhouse gas emissions over the fuel lifecycle.
To accelerate the use of alternative fuels in shipping, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which represents international merchant shipowners, proposed a ‘fund and reward’ market-based incentive. ICS’ secretary general Guy Platten has said, “We must narrow the significant price gap of new, very expensive, alternative fuels to accelerate their production and uptake so that we reach a take-off point by 2030 on our pathway to net zero by 2050.”
The IMO will also consider mandatory MARPOL amendments, including designating the Mediterranean Sea as an "emission control area for sulfur oxides and particulates” as part of its agenda.
Click here to see IMO’s complete agenda for MEPC79.
By Konica Bhatt
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