MEPC 81: Discussions around mid-term measures end in a stalemate – GMF

The IMO member states remain divided over key mid-term measures as the curtains draw on MEPC 81, the Global Maritime Forum (GMF) said.

PHOTO: Headquarters of the International Maritime Organisation in London. Getty Images

The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) 81st Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 81) has concluded today without a clear consensus on mid-term measures, GMF said in a social media post.

Mid-term measures have been split into two main categories: an economic measure to put a price on GHG, and a technical measure to categorise the GHG intensities of various fuels and technologies.

The IMO member states were divided on compliance mechanisms aimed at penalising vessels that fail to meet emission reduction targets. The debate included credit trading between ships, GHG pricing such as an emissions trading system (ETS) and a pooling mechanism to allow ships to pool their emissions.

There was no consensus over whether economic measures should be included as a compliance mechanism or imposed as a separate levy, GMF said. Member states also disagreed on whether the GHG fuel standard should be calculated on a well-to-wake or tank-to-wake basis.

The next round of discussions will be held at MEPC 82 in September–October. The IMO expects mid-term measures to be adopted by 2025 and implemented by 2027.

By Konica Bhatt

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