The UN’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has agreed to adopt a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for global shipping.
The revised IMO GHG Strategy includes an enhanced common ambition to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping close to 2050, a commitment to ensure an uptake of alternative zero and near-zero GHG fuels by 2030, as well as indicative check-points for 2030 and 2040.
IMO secretary-general Kutak Lim said adopting the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy is “a monumental development” for IMO that opens a new chapter towards maritime decarbonisation.
“At the same time, it is not the end goal, it is in many ways a starting point for the work that needs to intensify even more over the years and decades ahead of us.
“However, with the revised strategy that you have now agreed on, we have a clear direction, a common vision and ambitious targets to guide us to deliver what the world expects,” Lim said.
"Above all, it is particularly meaningful to have unanimous support from all member states. In this regard, I believe that we have to pay more attention to support developing countries, especially small island development states and least developed countries, so that no one is left behind," he said.
IMO is the United Nations specialised agency responsible for developing global standards for shipping and supporting countries to implement those rules.
According to the strategy the mid-term GHG reduction measures should effectively promote the energy transition of shipping and provide the world fleet with a needed incentive while contributing to a level playing field and a just and equitable transition.
