Revision of shipping GHG strategy: working group meets ahead of MEPC 80

Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15) has begun 5-day meeting, working on revision of IMO GHG strategy. “Be ambitious and bold,” said Secretary-General Lim. Speech here: https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/SecretaryGeneral/Pages/Intersessional-Working-Group-on-Reduction-of-GHG-Emissions-from-Ships-(ISWG-GHG-15)-.aspx 

There are two main themes: the finalization of the draft 2023 IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships, and the further assessment and selection of measures, both technical and economic elements.

Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15), 26-30 June 2023

Opening remarks by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim

Mr. Chair, excellencies, distinguished delegates and observers,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the fifteenth session of the GHG intersessional working group. I am sure that you all wish to start working together as soon as possible, so I will be brief.

Last December, at the end of a demanding MEPC 79, I expressed my sincere gratitude to all of you, for the hard work leading to the successful outcome of two consecutive weeks of discussions on IMO's climate change agenda.

Since then, you have made further progress at ISWG-GHG 14 in March, displaying the cooperation and dialogue that is the trademark of IMO, and which will be more important than ever in delivering what is expected of us to address climate change by the end of this two-week meeting next week. From the submissions to this session, there are two main themes: the finalization of the draft 2023 IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships, and the further assessment and selection of measures, both technical and economic elements.

Distinguished delegates,

You have already reiterated your commitment to finalize the revision of the initial strategy at MEPC 80. It is now time to work together on increasing the level of ambition for 2050 and establish the intermediate check points by 2030 and 2040 that will pave the way to meet the revised vision whilst duly considering the impact and needs of developing States.

I have met many of you since the last intersessional meeting and I have listened carefully to your views and proposals on how best to proceed with the finalization of the draft 2023 IMO Strategy. During these conversations, I have been impressed by the strong support you have shown for the process and the willingness you have expressed to adopt the Revised Strategy at MEPC 80 next week. Importantly, you have all indicated the need for flexibility and compromises if we are to succeed.

Do not wait for the last minute at MEPC to make the compromises and find the solutions, a positive outcome from this group is key to a success next week, and for the future work of this Organization. 

2023 is IMO's year of decisive climate action.

I urge you all to continue with your constructive negotiations, and to be ambitious and bold.

I continue to offer you my full support and that of the entire Secretariat.

Your task will not be easy at times; the stakes are high and the expectations even higher. I am confident that, with IMO's renowned spirit of cooperation and under the able leadership of your Chair, Mr. Sveinung Oftedal of Norway, you will rise to the challenge.

Together we will make MEPC 80 next week another historic moment for IMO, showcasing to the world a determined maritime decarbonization strategy which will ensure a truly global level-playing-field for international shipping.

I thank you for your continued support and commitment and I wish you a successful week.

Thank you!

MEPC 80 - preview 

https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/MeetingSummaries/Pages/PREVIEW-MEPC-80-3-7-July-2023.aspx

Revision of the initial IMO GHG Strategy

The Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15) 26-30 June 2023 will report to the MEPC on its discussions.

It is anticipated that a working group will be established, during MEPC 80, to finalize the draft strategy, following plenary statements.

Mid-term measures including possible technical and economic measures

The MEPC 76 session adopted a work plan on the concrete way forward to make progress with candidate mid- and long-term measures, including measures to incentivize the move away from fossil fuels to low- and zero-carbon fuels to achieve decarbonization of international shipping. Read more on mid and long-term measures here including fact sheets on proposed measures. 

An ad-hoc expert workshop on preliminary comparative analysis of candidate mid-term measures was held in May.

Measures which have been put forward for discussion and selection include technical elements such as a GHG intensity fuel standard; as well as economic elements such as a levy, reward, feebate or flat rate contribution.

The Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15) will report to the MEPC on its discussions. The revised strategy is expected to set out the way forward for possible technical and economic measures to be further developed by IMO.

Next steps related to implementation of the revised strategy

The MEPC is expected to develop draft terms of reference for future ISWG-GHG meetings as well as the next steps for impact assessment of candidate measures.

Life cycle GHG assessment guidelines set for adoption

The MEPC is expected to consider the report of the Correspondence Group on Marine Fuel Life Cycle GHG Analysis, including draft Guidelines on life cycle GHG intensity of marine fuels (LCA guidelines) for consideration and adoption. The draft LCA guidelines will allow for a Well-to-Wake calculation, including Well-to-Tank and Tank-to-Wake emission factors, of total GHG emissions related to the production and use of marine fuels.

Onboard CO₂ capture  

The MEPC will consider a number of submissions related to onboard CO2 capture.  

The submissions include those relating to onboard carbon capture (OCC) technology and a proposal on the way forward to review the current regulatory framework and consider how to move forward to potentially accommodate onboard CO2 capture within IMO's regulatory framework.