Countdown to MEPC 80: US implores IMO to adopt net-zero emissions by 2050

The IMO's 80th Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting next month is a “key moment” to mandate a net zero emissions target aligned with the 1.5°C Paris agreement goal, said the US Department of State.

PHOTO: Cargo ship carrying shipping containers docked at Port of Houston in the US. Twitter of @Port_Houston

The US has proposed a net zero emissions goal by 2050, and the IMO should take this into account as a long-term objective, urged Sue Biniaz, the deputy to the US Special President Envoy for Climate John Kerry.

“Emissions from international shipping, however, are currently significant and rising – roughly equivalent to emissions from an economy the size of Germany or Japan. Looking ahead, they are projected to increase as much as 130 percent from 2008 levels by 2050,” she said in a statement.

“A long-term target alone does not guarantee an emissions trajectory that is aligned with the 1.5-degree goal,” Biniaz argued, calling for interim goals along the way.

As part of its interim emissions reduction targets, the US has proposed a reduction of 37% in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by 2030.

According to Biniaz, this target is attainable if only 5% of the world’s fleet switches to zero-emission fuels and technologies. For this reason, the US has pushed for an increase in consumption of low- and zero-emission fuels on ships.

As a means of facilitating the transition to cleaner marine fuels, the US has suggested that the IMO adopts "mid-term measures" such as a GHG fuel standard and a maritime emissions pricing mechanism.

“… voluntary measures and investments by “first movers” will not – and should not be expected to – decarbonize the sector alone. It is vital for governments to signal this July that the maritime sector is part of the clean energy future,” said Biniaz.

By Konica Bhatt

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