IMO takes step towards global measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships

The Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) met in London between 30 September and 4 October 2024. The 82nd session of the Committee continued negotiations on global measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from marine transport. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications Minna Kivimäki attended the session on 30 September–2 October 2024.

The 82nd session of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) also negotiated on the life cycle calculation of greenhouse gas emissions from ships, on more precise regulation of the carbon intensity and energy efficiency of shipping, and on the regulation of ballast water. Additionally, the session decided on certain regional measures to protect the marine environment.

The goal of IMO is to achieve net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050 in a way that takes into account national conditions. Greenhouse gas emissions from shipping should be reduced by at least 20 per cent by 2030 compared to 2008. The mid-term reduction target for 2040 is at least 70 per cent. IMO Member States have agreed that global measures to achieve these targets will be definitively adopted in October 2025 at the latest. If this is achieved, the measures could enter into force in 2027.

The session continued negotiations on legally binding emission reduction measures aimed at achieving the targets within the agreed timeframe. However, a full agreement on the measures was not yet reached during this round of negotiations. The impact of these measures, particularly on food security in the least developed countries and small island developing states, sparked discussion.

Despite not achieving full agreement, all IMO Member States now have a clearer knowledge of the similarities and differences between various proposals and the elements needed for negotiating regulation. Conditions exist for reaching agreement in the next round of negotiations in spring 2025.

The Finnish negotiators were satisfied with the atmosphere of the negotiations. Finland considers it a successful outcome that a goal-based marine fuel standard and a separate economic mechanism, as proposed by the EU Member States, are still on the negotiation table. The EU Member States are of the opinion that both elements are needed so that regulation can achieve the emission reduction targets set.

The fuel standard would regulate the phased reduction of the marine fuel’s greenhouse gas intensity, whereas the economic mechanism would set a price for the content of greenhouse gas discharges from ships to further incentivize the transition to sustainable fuels and power sources.

In Finland’s view, ambitious global emission regulation would balance the competitive shipping and business environment between the EU and the rest of the world. Reductions in emissions from maritime transport should primarily be promoted through sufficiently determined global measures. If IMO can introduce determined measures, any significant double burden with respect to EU measures will have to be prevented and relieved.

Finland shares insights on safe and sustainable maritime transport in icy conditions

Finland considers it important that IMO pay attention to the safe passage of ships in icy waters. On Tuesday 1 October, on the second day of the session, Finland organised a lunchtime presentation for other delegates on decarbonising shipping in challenging northern conditions. Managing Director Mikki Koskinen from ESL Shipping and Antti Kiilakoski, Head of SCM at SSAB Europe shared insights on how their businesses have reduced greenhouse gas emissions in icy conditions and maritime logistics in the Baltic Sea.

Regional measures to protect marine environment

The session designated emission control areas for nitrogen and sulphur oxides and particulate matter in Canadian Arctic waters and Norwegian Sea based on the proposals made by Canada and Norway. This will significantly reduce the adverse impacts of these discharges from ships on the Arctic nature.

At the proposal of Indonesia, the session also adopted a draft resolution to designate the environment of certain islands in the Lombok Strait as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA). The Lombok Strait is an important route for international maritime transport in the Bali Sea in Southeast Asia.

What’s next?

The intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships is expected to hold its next meeting on 17–21 February 2025 and meet during the week immediately before the next MEPC session in April 2025. Global measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are to be provisionally adopted at the 83rd session of MEPC on 7–11 April. Formal adoption will take place at the MEPC extraordinary session on 13–14 October 2025.

Inquiries:

Ministry of Transport and Communications:
Eero Hokkanen, Chief Specialist, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the IMO, tel. +358 50 476 0401, eero.hokkanen(at)gov.fi

Päivi Antikainen, Director of Unit, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 296 342 101, paivi.antikainen(at)gov.fi

Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom:
Anita Mäkinen, Chief Specialist, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the IMO, tel. +358 40 162 4592, anita.makinen(at)traficom.fi