IMO adopts weak solution on shipping emissions

The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has adopted a global short-term emission reduction measure, said a government press release.

The decision is insufficient for any clear reduction of emissions in line with IMO targets.

Finland joined the other EU Member States in opposing the inadequate level of carbon intensity cuts at a session that concluded on 17 June.

The IMO took a decision in 2018 to reduce the carbon intensity of international shipping by at least 40 percent between 2008 and 2030. States at the MEPC session expressed differing views as to whether the remaining need for reductions between 2019 and 2030 was 10 or 21.5 percent.

The meeting decided on a measure that seeks to reduce the carbon intensity of navigation by 11 per cent between 2019 and 2026. The decision for 2027-2030 was left to a later date. Finland and the EU Member States supported the more scientifically justified option of a reduction of no less than 21.5 per cent between 2019 and 2030, as this would certainly have achieved the 2030 emission reduction target. The 27 EU Member States were nevertheless outvoted when the final decision was taken at the session of 174 IMO members.

"It is unfortunate that no more ambitious outcome was reached at the IMO, and that there is no certainty of achieving the targets. The decision fails to send a sufficiently strong signal to shipowners and the entire maritime cluster about the urgency of climate action. Pressure is now growing on the European Union's own large-scale emission reduction measures," explained Finnish Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka.

Carbon intensity refers to the ratio of carbon dioxide emissions to transport work done. While regulation now seeks to reduce carbon intensity, absolute emissions from navigation may fall, remain at the present level, or even grow. The final outcome will depend on the volume of maritime transportation. The annual carbon intensity reduction levels for 2027-2030 will be defined by 2026.