The approval of short-term measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the delegates at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reflects the collective commitment to reduce carbon emissions yesterday.
Secretary general Kitack Lim said the agreement to amend Annex VI of the Maritime Pollution (MARPOL) convention was a long challenging discussion that is in keeping with the IMO’s Initial Strategy for decarbonisation agreed in 2018.
Lim acknowledged that the discussions had not been easy, adding, “The outcome may not be perfect, but it is a highly important compromise based on your sweat and solidarity over several years marking a milestone in the further progress by IMO towards decarbonisation.”
The amendments while approved must now be adopted at the Marine Environment Protection Committee’s next meeting in 2021.
IMO believes that the short-term measures approved on 17 November represent “building blocks” that will lead to further action on mid to long-term requirements that would not have been otherwise possible.
Lim said there is a lot of work ahead, but the spirit of co-operation shown at IMO will enable progress on technical guidelines, the Carbon Intensity Code and the impact assessments of these measures on developing states.
“Let us remain united in working towards a truly global regulatory framework that implements the Initial GHG Strategy,” said Lim.
Nick Savvides
Managing Editor
