IMO meeting becomes “missed opportunity” to decarbonise shipping

Shipping organisations have expressed disappointment as governments failed to agree on how the industry can reach net-zero emissions, following the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) MEPC meeting.

IMO member states at MPEC struggled to agree on whether to increase the shipping industry’s ambitions towards decarbonisation by 2050 or push through with a US$5 billion R&D fund.

Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, said the ICS is disappointed that the words and commitments made by governments at COP26 have not yet been translated into action.

“This week’s meetings have missed the opportunity to take forward a range of GHG reduction measures which would accelerate the development of zero emissions ships that are urgently needed at scale to decarbonise our sector,” Platten said.

“It’s almost as if COP 26 never happened,” he said.

“Governments can’t keep kicking the can down the road; every delay moves us further away from reaching pressing climate goals.”

The World Shipping Council also echoed the ICS’ statement, saying that the organisation was disappointed on how governments again “fail to walk the talk” when it comes to real action at the IMO.

The international shipping council also appealed to political leaders and regulators to not get stuck in a cycle of “ambition bidding”, but to take action for inclusive change in the shipping industry.

“Whilst we are disappointed there was no decision, the MEPC 77 saw a notable increase in the number of nations supporting the establishment of an industry-financed research fund, pushing USD 5 billion into R&D towards zero-GHG technologies that will be available to all nations,” said John Butler, President & CEO of World Shipping Council.

“The initiative is ready to launch, has support from the Green Climate Fund, and we will keep supporting member nations working for a positive resolution at MEPC 78,” Butler said.

“All we are asking is for governments to let business to get on and do the things that need to be done,” said Platten in a similar statement.

“We are not even asking for money or the type of subsidies that other sectors receive. This is a no brainer at a time when we do not have time to prevaricate,” he said.