The substance of the initiative
Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Tuvalu and Vanuatu have submitted proposals to amend MARPOL Annex VI. These proposals are aimed at addressing unresolved issues in the IMO Net-Zero Framework and supporting the adoption of interim measures to reduce ships’ greenhouse gas emissions.
The documents will be considered at the 22nd session of the International Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 22), which will be held 1–4 September, ahead of MEPC 85 (30 November — 3 December).
Main provisions and positions
According to the co-sponsors, the IMO Net-Zero Framework still remains the most realistic basis for reaching an agreed solution. At the same time, emphasis was placed on the need for a strong economic mechanism and an IMO Net-Zero Fund as an element of a fair and balanced transition.
Which amendments are under discussion
- Four draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI have been submitted for consideration.
- Three of them retain the structure of the original text of the IMO Net-Zero Framework, but change the incentive parameters and expected revenue levels.
- The fourth option removes the economic element and target-based technical requirements.
- Issues regarding revenues, implementation difficulties, and support for developing countries, small island states and least developed countries were also set out for discussion.
The co-sponsors insisted that the adopted framework must include a robust economic component and an integrated IMO Net-Zero Fund in line with the approach of the IMO GHG Strategy (2023).
They called on ISWG-GHG 22 and 23 to focus on assessing exactly these four options, without introducing new policy alternatives, and to accelerate work on implementation guidance documents, especially on fund-related issues.
Warning and additional context
The authors warned that failure to adopt interim measures could undermine trust in IMO as a global regulator of shipping emissions.
As additional context, it was noted that Saudi Arabia and the UAE have already called on IMO to review the proposed framework, as the current approach, in their view, could adversely affect deep-sea shipping and economies with high reliance on maritime trade.
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