Kathmandu - The 83rd gathering of the Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) at the London headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concluded on Friday with a contentious vote. The rare formal voting process revealed a divided global response to the mid-term measures aimed at curbing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the maritime sector.
The measures, which include a fuel standard, pricing mechanisms, and trading systems, were approved with 63 countries in favor, 16 against, and 25 abstentions. The agreement is part of the IMO’s net-zero framework set to take effect in 2027. While hailed by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez as a “significant step” toward modernizing shipping and combating climate change, critics argue the measures fall short of aligning with the sector’s climate targets under the revised GHG strategy.
Divided Opinions and Missed Opportunities
Dr. Nishatabbas Rehmatulla, a principal research fellow at University College London’s Energy Institute, labeled the agreement “weak” and inadequate for reducing emissions in line with the 1.5°C temperature pathway. Despite introducing a pricing system that charges $380 per ton of CO2-equivalent emissions for base compliance trajectories and $100 for direct compliance, the revenue projections of $11–$12 billion annually are considered insufficient.
“These revenues may fail to support the adoption of near-zero emission fuels and the funding of a just and equitable transition, leaving neither objective adequately addressed,” the UCL Energy Institute stated.
Vanuatu’s Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Ralph Regenvanu, expressed sharp criticism, accusing Saudi Arabia, the United States, and other fossil fuel allies of obstructing progress. “These countries pushed down the numbers to an untenable level, abandoning the 1.5°C goal and denying vulnerable nations access to necessary climate finance,” Regenvanu said.
The absence of a universal carbon levy was another contentious issue. Wilfried Lemmens of the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association lamented the failure to secure a global levy, calling it the “simplest and most efficient” way to meet climate goals.
Hope Amidst Frustration
Despite widespread criticism, some industry leaders viewed the agreement as a step forward. Guy Platten, outgoing Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Shipping, described it as a “historic moment” for shipping, potentially providing the certainty needed to de-risk investments in cleaner energy.
However, Bastien Bonnet-Cantalloube of Carbon Market Watch was less optimistic, calling the measures “blatantly weak.” He emphasized the need for more ambitious regional and industry-specific actions to compensate for the lack of robust global measures.
A Call to Action
As the shipping industry grapples with balancing economic pressures and climate commitments, the compromise reached at the IMO highlights the challenges of global consensus. The outcome of the MEPC meeting underscores the urgent need for stronger international collaboration to achieve meaningful decarbonization and to set an example for other sectors.
The IMO’s framework, while a starting point, leaves significant work ahead. With the next MEPC meeting in October, all eyes are on member states to strengthen commitments and address the glaring gaps in climate action.
