IMO MEPC 77 is debating a resolution this week that would set a net-zero target for all international shipping by 2050.
In fact, during the first day of the meeting delegates focused on the Marshall Islands’ and Solomon Islands’ resolution proposal for zero emission shipping by 2050, a far stricter target than the current ambition which seeks 50% cuts based on a baseline set in 2008.
For the records, the signing of the declaration came after more than 150 industry leaders and organizations signed the “Call to Action for Shipping Decarbonization”, back in September, urging for decisive government action to enable full decarbonization of international shipping by 2050.
Following the above, just eight countries supported the zero by 2050 resolution:
- Canada
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Ukraine
- the UK
- the US
- Vanuatu
- Iceland.
A total of 31 countries, including the EU27, Georgia, South Korea, Bahamas and Norway – supported the 2050 zero shipping emissions target, but not the resolution.
As reported, several EU countries – Belgium, Finland, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary and Sweden – endorsed the Declaration on Zero Emission Shipping by 2050 at COP26, but yesterday failed to support a resolution at IMO to actually make that the goal for shipping.
The Slovenian delegation, which currently holds the European Union presidency, explained the European bloc’s position, arguing that with the limited time available for discussion on emissions at MEPC this week the key was action over words.
Concluding, Brazil, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates spoke against the 2050 resolution and the 2050 zero-emission target.
