Clean Arctic Alliance Backs IMO Proposal To Cut Black Carbon Emissions In The Arctic

The Clean Arctic Alliance has welcomed a new proposal submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that seeks to reduce the harmful impact of black carbon emissions from international shipping in the Arctic. Submitted ahead of the IMO’s Pollution Prevention and Response Committee meeting (PPR 13) scheduled for February 2026, the proposal aims to introduce a dedicated fuel measure under MARPOL Annex VI to curb one of the most dangerous climate super-pollutants accelerating Arctic warming.

Arctic Fuel Measure: A Step Toward Cleaner Shipping

The proposal, known as PPR 13-6, has been put forward by four IMO member states and focuses on regulating the type of marine fuels used by ships operating in Arctic waters. By encouraging a shift to cleaner fuels that emit lower levels of black carbon, the measure aims to significantly reduce emissions that settle on snow and ice, speeding up melting and intensifying regional warming. While the exact geographic scope of the regulation is still under discussion, the proposal represents a concrete step toward addressing shipping-related climate impacts in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

Climate and Health Benefits for Arctic Communities

According to the Clean Arctic Alliance, reducing black carbon emissions will not only help slow Arctic warming but also deliver global climate benefits and improve public health for Arctic and Indigenous communities. Dr Sian Prior, Lead Advisor to the Alliance, emphasized that action on black carbon is essential to remain aligned with the Paris Agreement temperature goals. She also called on other Arctic and climate-vulnerable states to actively support the proposal at PPR 13, highlighting that addressing black carbon is a critical first step in reducing international shipping’s overall climate footprint.

The proposed Arctic fuel measure marks an important milestone in global efforts to tackle shipping emissions in sensitive polar regions. If adopted, it could deliver immediate climate, environmental, and health benefits while setting a precedent for stronger action on maritime pollution. As discussions approach at IMO’s PPR 13 meeting in early 2026, broad international support will be crucial to turning this proposal into an effective regulatory tool for protecting the Arctic and the global climate system.