The IMOs Committee for the Protection of the Marine Environment (MEPC) has decided to adjourn the extraordinary session held this week in London and reconvene in a year’s time.
In the meantime, the countries are expected to continue discussions to bridge differences over the EU framewhich aims to align the shipping sector with the global target of net zero emissions by 2050.
The design framework – approved in principle last April – would amend the MARPOL Treaty to establish a global fuel standard and pricing mechanism for greenhouse gas emissions from ships, which account for almost three percent of global emissions.
If adopted, it would be the first legally binding global system to curb maritime emissions.
No winners or losers
In his closing remarks, IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez urged delegates to use the coming year to rebuild confidence and build consensus.
“Even though you have your differences, you have all spoken in support of the work of this organization,” he said.
“There are no winners and losers in this session. Let us use this moment to learn from it and be ready to negotiate and take the next steps needed to achieve the goals you all agreed on in the 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy.”
He asked delegates not to celebrate the suspension. “There are concerns that we need to address, let’s work together,he said.
© IMO
A look at the second extraordinary session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).
A missed opportunity
UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York Secretary General António Guterres viewed the outcome as “a missed opportunity for Member States to place the shipping sector on a clear, credible path to net-zero emissions.”
He stressed that decarbonising the maritime sector – responsible for around 80 percent of global trade – “is crucial”.
Media reports cited opposition from several major economies – including the United States – who argued that the proposed global pricing mechanism risked functioning as a “carbon tax” and could increase shipping costs by more than 10 percent.
Next steps
The IMO said a working group on emissions would do that meet next week continue to develop technical guidelines for implementing the framework.
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