- Maritime Industry Calls for Practical Solutions in GHG Reduction Talks.
- INTERCARGO Pushes for Clear, Predictable Carbon Pricing.
- Shipping Industry Faces Pivotal Moment in Climate Regulations at MEPC 83.
As the debate around maritime decarbonization gathers momentum, INTERCARGO has circulated a pre-brief on principal issues to be discussed at the Intersessional Working Group on Air Pollution and Energy Efficiency (ISWG-APEE 1), set for April 2-4, 2025. The group calls for an emphasis on simplicity, predictability, and real-world application as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) heads towards pivotal meetings, such as ISWG-GHG-19 and the Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83), reports Safety4Sea.
Focus Areas of ISWG-APEE 1
ISWG-APEE is responsible for the IMO’s MEPC and has a key role in assessing short-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures. The session will address, in particular, the review of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) framework. The main points of discussion will be:
- Challenges and gaps identified in the short-term GHG reduction measures
- Possible amendments to current regulations or the establishment of new instruments
- Consideration of submissions on streamlining the CII framework
The results of ISWG-APEE 1 will be brought together in a report and presented to MEPC 83 (April 7-11, 2025), where the direction of future GHG measures will be decided.
INTERCARGO’s Call for Clear and Practical Measures
With ISWG-GHG-19 and MEPC 83 on the horizon, INTERCARGO urges against the imposition of overly elaborate mechanisms. The organization emphasizes taking on actions that are practical, predictable, and easy to implement across shipping sectors.
As elaborate measures rise in prominence within debates, INTERCARGO still believes in promoting a clear, predictable carbon price that can easily be included by shipping companies in business planning. INTERCARGO points out that the regulatory framework set at MEPC 83 needs to be accompanied by practical implementation guidelines and realistic timelines to facilitate smooth uptake in the industry.
Striking a Balance Between Environmental Ambitions and Operational Pragmatism
Kostas Gkonis, INTERCARGO Secretary General, underlined the necessity of policy-making that ensures genuine emissions savings without jeopardizing world trade. “We fully support ambitious environmental goals, but the measures adopted must be practical and implementable also for tramp and bulk shipping. As negotiations intensify, we urge Member States to focus on solutions that will deliver real emissions reductions without compromising operational efficiency and the smooth global transportation of essential goods.”
As the forthcoming IMO meetings determine the course of maritime decarbonization, INTERCARGO remains committed to pushing for practical policies that find a balance between environmental ambitions and commercial viability.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Safety4Sea
