Part of the maritime industry has expressed disappointment as IMO postponed its global framework for another year while some said the time should be used to close remaining gaps and further develop it.
While some in the maritime industry has expressed disappointment as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) postponed its global Net-Zero Framework (NZF) for another year, others said the time should be used to close remaining gaps and further develop it.
NZF includes a global fuel standard for shipping and an economic measure, which consists of a pricing mechanism and credit trading scheme to drive down emissions and fund the transition to zero and low carbon fuels.
IBIA had expected, together with a significant number of international associations, a different outcome of the extraordinary MEPC.
“The MEPC Special Session this week demonstrated that the issue of reducing GHG emissions from ships, and in particular, the pricing of emissions, is politically contentious for many countries to the point that achieving a consensus at this stage is not possible and means the draft amendments for consideration will now have to be revised before being tabled again and pausing it for one year,” IBIA said in a statement.
IBIA supported the adoption of the NZF and were already engaged in crucial work on the detailed guidelines.
“Meanwhile, a majority of IMO’s Member States weren’t prepared to move ahead, making shipping the first sector with a global regulatory framework to decarbonise,” IBIA added.
“A working group meeting at IMO next week to prepare implementing guidelines will see an attempt to heal the diplomatic scars of this week.”
“IBIA will continue to support IMO and its work, and in doing so, represent the views of the whole of the marine energy supply chain.”
The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) considered the postponement of the adoption of the IMO Net Zero Framework as a major setback for a global framework that the industry needs to secure investments in decarbonisation at sea and on land.
IAPH managing director Patrick Verhoeven, said: “This is a major setback for the maritime industry. Shipping and ports need a global framework that provides them with legal certainty to make the necessary investments in decarbonisation.
“Only IMO can provide such a framework. We don’t know what this adjournment will lead to, but we fear it will simply open the door for more national and regional measures, which will add to an already complex regulatory patchwork resulting in unintended consequences.”
“The adjournment of the IMO Net Zero Framework now spells uncertainty about the incentives that are needed for the uptake of new low and zero carbon fuels.”
Thomas A. Kazakos, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Secretary General, said: “We are disappointed that member states have not been able to agree a way forward at this meeting. Industry needs clarity to be able to make the investments needed to decarbonise the maritime sector, in line with the goals set out in the IMO GHG strategy.
The World Shipping Council (WSC) has underlined the importance of using the year ahead to clarify and develop the IMO Net-Zero Framework.
“The IMO remains the right place to deliver a global solution. We are committed to continuing work with governments to deliver the necessary regulatory consistency, support renewable fuel production and infrastructure, and keep shipping’s energy transition on track,” the council said.
