​IMO authorises net-zero framework draft outline

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has decided to provide a possible draft outline of an ‘IMO net-zero framework’ for reducing GHG emissions from international shipping.

This is a step ahead in the legal process towards implementing global rules, known as ‘mid-term GHG reduction measures’, to help reach the objectives included in the 2023 IMO Strategy on the Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships.

The draft outline illustration of a potential IMO net-zero framework includes regulations from the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) that will be adopted or amended to allow for a new global fuel standard and a new global pricing mechanism for maritime GHG emissions.

According to the organisation, these may include a proposed new Chapter 5 of MARPOL Annex VI including regulations on the IMO net-zero framework, which would encompass: a goal-based marine fuel standard that regulates the gradual decrease of the marine fuel’s GHG intensity, and an economic mechanisms to encourage the transition to net zero.

The goal-based marine fuel standard and pricing mechanism are mid-term GHG reduction measures specified in the revised IMO Strategy on the Reduction of GHG Emissions from ships, adopted in July 2023.

IMO noted that several recommendations for what these actions should involve are now under consideration.

The probable draft outline for the net-zero framework will be used as a starting point to combine the numerous approaches into a possible common structure to assist further talks, with the knowledge that this outline will be subject to modification as debates advance.

In addition to the development of the legal framework, MEPC announced its next meeting (MEPC 82), which will take place from 30 September to 4 October 2024.

In February, IMO divided its objectives and priorities for the next four years.