The maritime industry is in the hot seat, and it’s about time. The International Maritime Organization’s Working Group has been burning the midnight oil, tackling the elephant in the room: greenhouse gas emissions. With the world’s eyes on sustainability, the shipping sector is finally getting the scrutiny it deserves. The latest round of discussions has been a whirlwind of collaboration, with member states rolling up their sleeves to draft actionable strategies that could revolutionize shipping practices.
The IMO’s 2023 GHG Reduction Strategy has set the stage for some serious changes. By late 2025, member states are committed to adopting mid-term measures to slash GHG emissions from ships. This isn’t just about tinkering around the edges; we’re talking about a goal-based marine fuel standard and an economic element based on a maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanism. The Intersessional Working Group has been chewing over these proposals, using the draft text for an “IMO net-zero framework” as their blueprint. This draft is a mishmash of inputs and proposals from member states and international organizations, all aimed at amending the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL, Annex VI).
If these amendments get the green light, they’ll be incorporated into a treaty that covers 97% of world merchant shipping tonnage. The discussions have been intense, covering everything from global marine fuel intensity regulations to the nitty-gritty of the proposed ‘IMO Net-Zero Fund’. The group has agreed to consider all proposals for an economic element (GHG emissions pricing mechanism) and has acknowledged potential “bridging options” suggested by some member states. The goal is to define amendments to MARPOL Annex VI that could achieve consensus approval at the next session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) on 7-11 April 2025.
The Chair, in consultation with the Secretariat, has prepared an updated version of the proposed MARPOL Annex VI amendments. This version consolidates areas of agreement and introduces new possible bridging options for further discussion. It will be annexed to the Group’s report to MEPC 83 as a “work-in-progress”, without preempting future changes. It will be further considered at the 19th meeting of the Intersessional Working Group (1-4 April 2025), ahead of MEPC 83.
This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about setting a precedent. The implications of these discussions are vast. They could determine the course of regulatory measures and incentives for adopting cleaner technologies in the maritime industry. As the Working Group continues its dialogue, the stakes for the environment and the future of international shipping have never been higher. The maritime industry is at a crossroads, and the choices made now will shape the sector for decades to come. The pressure is on, and it’s time for the industry to step up and show that it can be a part of the solution, not the problem.
