Delaine McCullough, President of the Clean Shipping Coalition, criticized the insufficient resources allocated to revising the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) standards. These standards, crucial for improving energy efficiency, are seen as essential for achieving the 2030 emissions target. McCullough emphasized the lack of urgency in the discussions, warning that delays in strengthening energy efficiency measures could jeopardize the industry’s ability to meet its climate goals.
“There are encouraging signs of more IMO member states supporting a universal GHG emission levy,” McCullough stated. “However, the lack of progress in making difficult decisions is concerning. Without immediate action on efficiency measures, the goal of cutting emissions by 30% by 2030 is at serious risk.”
Other industry experts echoed McCullough’s concerns. Bastien Bonnet-Catalloube, a decarbonization expert, noted that while discussions around a GHG levy had gained momentum at the meeting, a high and ambitious levy was essential to uphold the polluter-pays principle. Meanwhile, Constance Dijkstra, IMO Policy Manager at Transport & Environment, cautioned that the Global Fuel Standard under negotiation could incentivize harmful biofuels instead of greener alternatives like hydrogen.
The meeting also focused on other environmental issues, such as black carbon emissions. Dr. Sian Prior of the Clean Arctic Alliance welcomed IMO’s potential regulation of black carbon, which would reduce shipping’s impact on Arctic regions. Similarly, the approval of two new Emission Control Areas in the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea was praised by Sönke Diesener from NABU, who highlighted their importance in reducing air pollution and protecting the environment.
However, frustrations were evident regarding delays in addressing certain issues. Eelco Leemans of the Clean Arctic Alliance criticized the IMO for postponing discussions on scrubbers, devices used to clean ship emissions. He called for a total ban on scrubbers in the Arctic, citing their environmental harm.
In addition, Amy Youngman from the Environmental Investigation Agency applauded the IMO’s commitment to addressing plastic pollution but urged swift action to prevent further damage to marine ecosystems. Sandra Chiri from Ocean Conservancy also voiced her concerns over the slow pace of decision-making at the IMO, warning that time was running out to meet the 2023 GHG strategy targets.
With just six months left before the next key deadline, Anaïs Rios of Seas At Risk stressed the need for immediate action, urging the IMO to accelerate its efforts to ensure the shipping industry meets its decarbonization targets.
The meeting underscored the growing pressure on the global shipping sector to adopt more aggressive policies to curb its environmental impact and fulfill international climate commitments.
