On the occasion of MEPC 76 underway in London, innovation company TECO 2030 urged the IMO to recognize the role of carbon capture in reducing GHG emissions from international shipping, “as not enough vessels will undergo fuel switches to meet the climate targets“.
The IMO’s current goals are to reduce carbon intensity in international shipping by 40% by 2030, and to cut the total annual greenhouse gas emissions from the sector by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 and the MEPC 76 meeting that started on 10 June is expected to provide a key outcome on the regulatory framework setting out how this should be achieved.
The IMO has so far mainly focused on how energy efficiency and alternative fuels can help to decarbonize the maritime sector. We agree that these issues are paramount, but focusing only on these will probably not be sufficient if we are to reach the emission reductions targets for international shipping,
…says Stian Aakre, CEO of TECO 2030 AS.
Mr. Aakre noted that onboard carbon capture will also be needed in maritime towards 2050, as not enough of the existing vessels will be either rebuilt to utilize more climate-friendly fuels or be replaced by lower emission ships before the drafted deadlines.
We therefore urge the IMO to include carbon capture in its upcoming regulatory framework, as this would stimulate technological development within the industry and ensure that the necessary infrastructure will be built,
…he adds.
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Carbon capture technology has been recently discussed as a significant factor to support the reduction of shipping emissions, but states remain divided with Norway and some other countries believing the technology is still too immature. South Korea, on the other hand, has submitted a detailed proposal for how new legislation can take into account the future role of onboard carbon capture technology in reducing emissions from ships.
We understand that the debate to some extent must touch upon different technological options. But ideally, we think the best way forward is for legislators and regulators like the IMO and the EU to develop strategies and set the targets and limits, rather than to relate these to specific technologies. In doing so, the evolving legislative landscape will instead stimulate the industry to develop the technologies that are needed to reach these targets,
…Mr. Aakre concludes.
