IMO’s Big Decision: Will 2025 Mark the Turning Point for Maritime Emissions?

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Mfame Editor
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  • In April 2025, the IMO will finalize mid-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures, setting the industry on track for net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • The Global Fuel Standard (GFS) and a GHG levy will be key policies to reduce marine fuel emissions and incentivize cleaner alternatives.
  • The high cost of zero-emission fuels and ensuring a fair transition for all countries remain major concerns.

Shipping transports over 80% of global goods but contributes 3% of worldwide GHG emissions. If it were a country, it would rank as the sixth-largest emitter. While efforts to decarbonize the industry have been ongoing, 2025 marks a turning point. The IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) will meet in April to finalize binding regulations to cut emissions, setting the course for a net-zero shipping sector by 2050, reports Global Maritime Forum.

IMO’s Measures 

The IMO’s 2023 GHG reduction strategy set ambitious goals, including:

  1. Net-zero shipping emissions “by or around 2050”.
  2. 2030 and 2040 emission reduction checkpoints.
  3. At least 5% (striving for 10%) of shipping energy from zero-emission fuels by 2030.

In 2025, the IMO will finalize a “basket of mid-term measures”, likely including:

  1. Global Fuel Standard (GFS): A phased reduction of the GHG intensity of marine fuels.
  2. GHG Levy: A carbon tax on emissions, with proposals ranging from $18.75 to $150 per tonne of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e).

Funds raised from the levy could subsidize zero-emission fuels and support countries most affected by the transition.

Who Will Develop and Enforce These Measures?

The IMO, a United Nations agency with 176 member states, will regulate and implement these measures. The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), which meets twice a year, will hold its 83rd meeting (MEPC 83) in April 2025 in London.

Regulations finalized at MEPC 83 will be formally adopted later in 2025 and enforced by 2027.

The IMO’s Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez (Panama), will oversee the process.

Industry Expectations and Challenges

Many in the shipping industry seek clarity and regulatory certainty from MEPC 83. While the IMO’s net-zero strategy has been widely supported, companies are waiting for concrete policies before making major investments.

Key challenges include:

  1. The high cost of clean fuels like ammonia and e-methanol compared to traditional marine fuels.
  2. Ensuring an equitable transition that doesn’t disproportionately impact certain countries or shipping segments.
  3. Finding mechanisms to support affected nations while also creating investment opportunities in zero-emission fuel production and port infrastructure.

As the world moves towards cleaner maritime trade, the upcoming IMO decisions will shape the future of global shipping.

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Source: Global Maritime Forum