IMO Opens Door to Reduce Shipping Emissions

Today, the member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreed on a Resolution on technology cooperation, which was delaying the implementation of standards to improve the energy efficiency of new ships. This resolution had been in discussion for two years and was hindering any progress on other measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The Resolution meets the concerns of developing and developed nations by recognising the principles of non-discrimination in the IMO and common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) in the UN's Framework on Climate Change ^[1].

Reacting to the IMO decision, Antoine Kedzierski, T&E clean shipping officer, said: "The lack of agreement on this resolution was holding up the discussion on tackling shipping emissions at the IMO for too long. Today's decision unlocked the door to serious consideration of further measures to reduce the sector's contribution to climate change. We urge the IMO and its member states to now make progress towards a market-based measure to reduce emissions from existing ships."

^[1] CBDR is a founding principle of the United Nations Framework on Climate Change talks designed to ensure developed states take responsibility for their emissions and developing countries aren’t over-burdened with obligations that hinder their economic development.