- Revenue Disbursement Proposal to Support Vulnerable States in Energy Transition.
- Establishment of IMO Fund for Transparent and Equitable GHG Levy Management.
- Global Support Grows for 6PAC+ Maritime Decarbonization Strategy.
The 6PAC+ Alliance, which comprises Pacific, Caribbean, and African island nations, is driving the process for the implementation of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2023 GHG Strategy. A key tenet of their suggestions is the adoption of a GHG levy as the cornerstone for mid-term actions to ensure international shipping achieves complete elimination of GHG emissions by 2050. Such action will also underpin strong and ambitious intermediate objectives for 2030 and 2040 as part of just and equitable transitions, with no State or seafarer left behind, reports Scoop Regional.
Decisive turning point in maritime decarbonization
IMO is at a crossroads in its quest to decarbonize international shipping. By April 2025, it must agree on the implementation of the 2023 Strategy with measures operational by 2027 to be aligned with a 1.5-degree pathway.
A new Chapter to be added to the International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, which is MARPOL, is the key to the process. Annex VI of this Convention regulates emissions, and the proposed Chapter 5 would establish legally binding GHG regulations for shipping. The 6PAC+ Alliance, in cooperation with countries in the Pacific, Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia, along with industry stakeholders, is co-sponsoring a consolidated draft text for Chapter 5 that focuses on a universal GHG levy.
Broad Support for 6PAC+ Proposals
The Alliance’s proposals have received support from countries such as the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tonga, Samoa, Nauru, Belize, and Palau. This is because of the global acceptance and scientific rationale of the 6PAC+ approach that focuses on source mitigation of GHG emissions as well as reparation for environmental and social harms.
Insights
Ambassador Albon Ishoda, Special Envoy for Maritime Decarbonization from the Marshall Islands, emphasized: “The GHG levy is a defining moment for global maritime policy. For frontline nations like ours, this is more than an environmental initiative—it’s about securing a just and sustainable future for all. This levy is not just an effective mechanism for reducing emissions but a vital tool to level the playing field, enabling the most vulnerable to not only survive but thrive in a rapidly changing world. The time to act is now, with a united global commitment that leaves no nation behind.”
Special Envoy Ralph Regenvanu from Vanuatu added: “The recent devastation caused by the earthquake in Vanuatu is a stark reminder of our vulnerability in the face of the environmental crisis. These submissions are not only about justice but also survival—ensuring that countries like mine, already bearing the brunt of environmental and economic shocks, have the support and tools to adapt and rebuild. The GHG levy is a lifeline, a critical step toward a decarbonized shipping sector that doesn’t exacerbate the challenges we face but instead paves the way for a resilient and equitable transition for all.”
The Goal of the Proposed MARPOL Chapter
The proposed goal for the new chapter of MARPOL Annex VI reaffirms the 2023 GHG Strategy: “Effectively promoting the energy transition of shipping and providing the world fleet with the needed incentive while contributing to a level playing field and a just and equitable transition.” This ensures negotiations remain aligned with the hard-fought compromises of the 2023 Strategy, safeguarding its ambitious targets.
Alignment to Earlier Conversations and Goals
The submissions also follow the ISWG-GHG 17 outcome at the IMO from September 2024, during which there was reported increasing support for a global levy on GHGs. The submissions are also consistent with fuel standards that will deliver a 61% reduction in GHG intensity by 2030 and a 91% reduction by 2040-all essential for fast-tracking the transition to energy for shipping.
Call for Global Coalition
The 6PAC+ submissions underpin numerous environmental action realities with social equity, reminding the world to step forward decisively. Supported by broad consensus among nations, NGOs, industry actors, and observer organizations, the proposals will provide clear pathways toward decarbonization without leaving anyone or any country behind.
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Source: Scoop Regional
