LAST WEEK’s latest round of discussions at the IMO’s Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 18) was to further develop and streamline the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI.

The IMO’s 2023 GHG Reduction Strategy commits member states to adopting mid-term measures to reduce GHG emissions from ships in late 2025, including: 

  • a technical element, namely a goal-based marine fuel standard regulating the phased reduction of a marine fuel’s GHG intensity; and  
  • an economic element, on the basis of a maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanism.  

The IWG used the draft text for an “IMO net-zero framework” developed at the last meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee MEPC 82, as the basis for the talks. 

This draft text integrates inputs and proposals from member states and international organisations on possible amendments to be made to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL, Annex VI). These amendments, if adopted, would incorporate the proposed mid-term measures into the treaty, which has 108 Parties representing 97% of world merchant shipping tonnage.   

Key topics covered include global marine fuel intensity regulations, the economic mechanism’s structure, organisational and operational aspects of the proposed ‘IMO Net-Zero Fund’, revenue disbursement, and potential food security impacts.

The IWG agreed to keep all proposals for an economic element (GHG emissions pricing mechanism) under consideration and acknowledged potential “bridging options” suggested by some member states. Efforts will continue toward defining amendments to MARPOL Annex VI that could achieve consensus approval at MEPC 83 on 7-11 April 2025.

“Delegations reaffirmed their commitment to continue exploring possible ways to converge their positions and find common ground,” the IMO said.

Guy Platten, secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping, emphasised the need for urgent progress ahead of the critical MEPC 83) in April.

“While ICS is broadly satisfied with the progress made on a radical new package of global GHG reduction regulations, including a GHG emissions pricing mechanism, much work urgently remains to be done,” Mr Platten said.

“But despite divergence on many issues, it is encouraging that negotiations continue in a positive and cooperative spirit.”