According to Bloomberg, A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S expects the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to approve a charge on greenhouse gas emissions from ships as early as 2025.
This follows ongoing talks in London, where countries are negotiating new regulations to reduce emissions from the shipping sector, which currently contributes about a billion tons of carbon dioxide annually. Simon Bergulf, Maersk’s representative for Europe, told Bloomberg that while the details of the framework are still emerging, the approval of a pollution charge in 2025 seems increasingly likely.
We still don’t have the full contour of what that framework’s gonna be, but it’s becoming more and more clear
… Bergulf said.
Bloomberg also reported that the IMO’s potential new rules include a phased reduction in the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of energy used by ships, which could significantly cut emissions and cost the industry billions if it continues to pollute. These regulations are set to come into force in 2027, and, if implemented, the IMO would establish the first global, mandatory pricing mechanism for shipping emissions.
Furthermore, Bergulf pointed out that Japan’s proposal for a $60 per ton charge is reasonable, but he emphasized to that a higher charge of $150 per ton “from day one” without flexibility would be unworkable.
Finally, Bloomberg highlighted the broader impact of these talks, quoting Jan Dieleman, president of Cargill Inc.’s ocean transportation business, who said, “If they get this over the line, there’s no other industry in the world that has a global strategy, with real measures and a pathway, to getting towards zero.”