- As the 2025 UN Ocean Conference begins in Nice, NGOs urge nations to include international shipping emissions in their Paris Agreement climate pledges (NDCs).
- The IMO’s draft Net-Zero Framework is a milestone but lacks sufficient ambition—national and regional actions are needed to close the gap.
- Incorporating shipping in NDCs would empower countries to enforce decarbonization policies and support global ocean sustainability.
NGOs Call for Shipping Emissions in National Climate Plans as UN Ocean Conference Opens
As global leaders gather this week in Nice for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC), environmental organizations including Opportunity Green, Seas At Risk, and Transport & Environment are calling on governments to formally include international shipping emissions in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
Despite the Paris Agreement’s call for “economy-wide emission” coverage, many countries continue to exclude shipping—one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gases—from their climate action plans. Legal reviews support the inclusion of international shipping within the Paris framework, citing its economic relevance and rising emissions.
The recent approval of the draft Net-Zero Framework by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during MEPC 83 marks a pivotal development. If adopted in October, the plan would impose legally binding measures on international shipping, including a carbon pricing system via a marine fuel standard. This initiative is aligned with the IMO’s 2023 Revised Strategy on emission reductions.
However, climate advocates argue that the IMO’s progress alone is insufficient. More robust policy initiatives at national and regional levels are required to meet international climate and equity targets and accelerate shipping decarbonization.
By integrating international shipping emissions into NDCs, governments could strengthen legal mandates for emission cuts, enabling them to implement taxes, incentives, or standards for zero-emission shipping technologies and infrastructure. This step would also give industry stakeholders the clarity and confidence needed to invest in clean alternatives.
The initiative aligns closely with UNOC 2025’s broader objective to accelerate global efforts for sustainable ocean use and protection.
The NGOs urge all nations to:
- Include international shipping emissions in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for comprehensive emissions coverage.
- Support the IMO Net-Zero Framework through domestic and regional policy tools.
- Promote research and development, as well as investment, in zero-emission fuels and maritime technology.
- Provide capacity-building and technical support to developing nations, especially SIDS and LDCs.
Stakeholder Statements
Aoife O’Leary, Opportunity Green, said: “For too long, states have ignored their international legal obligations to regulate the dirty greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping and the damage being done to our oceans. International courts are starting to shine a light on this glaring gap, and states need to respond by bringing international shipping into their NDCs and properly addressing these emissions. Accountability is the first step to meaningful action.”
Anaïs Rios, Seas At Risk, said: “Each year, 10 billion tonnes of toxic waste is dumped into the sea from ships, which then feeds into our food chains. Some food for thought as decision makers gather in Nice to enjoy the local seafood during the United Nations Ocean Conference. Shipping’s impact is mostly invisible but the damage is real: One of the most meaningful steps countries can take is to recognise shipping emissions in their NDCs, putting the ocean at the heart of climate action.”
Faig Abbasov, Transport & Environment, said: “As the world descends on Belem on the banks of the largest inland waterway on earth, it is crucial that states finally take responsibility for the shipping emissions that carry the international trade they so cherish. Contrary to industry claims, legal analysis has shown that shipping and aviation are in fact part of the Paris Agreement. Countries must revise their NDCs to take into account all their shipping emissions into their ‘economy-wide’ national contributions as required by the Paris Agreement and price all the maritime carbon emissions, which the IMO preliminary deal will not.”
Background Context
Shipping, which transports about 80% of global trade, remains predominantly fossil-fuel powered. Since the 1980s, the volume of shipped goods has quadrupled, causing severe marine environmental damage:
- Increasing oil spills and ship-borne pollution.
- Rising underwater noise levels.
- Growing ship strikes on endangered species like the North Atlantic Right Whale.
- Spread of invasive species through ballast water.
- Emissions from ships now make up about 3% of global GHG emissions, projected to rise 50% by 2050 if unchecked.
- Scrubber-equipped vessels contribute to ocean acidification.
Oceans absorb around 26% of global carbon emissions, making them essential allies in climate mitigation. In previous NDC submissions, only 25 countries referenced ocean transport mitigation, often without distinguishing between domestic and international action. Although the IMO handles international regulations, national governments still play a critical role in enforcement and implementation.
As countries prepare their next round of NDCs, integrating maritime emissions is key to achieving the 1.5°C temperature limit and advancing equitable, ocean-centered climate solutions.
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Source: Transport & Environment
