The IMO Must Tighten Rules On Shipping Carbon Emissions

22nd April 2025

Most global trade relies on shipping, which accounts for about 3% of global climate emissions due to heavy fuel use. One of the simplest and most effective ways to cut these emissions is to slow ships down. A 10% speed reduction can cut a ship’s emissions by nearly 20%, even if more ships are needed overall. This strategy requires no new technology and can be implemented immediately.

Cutting fuel use also reduces other harmful byproducts, like health-damaging particulates and oily sludge, which is often illegally dumped at sea. It also lessens the toxic waste generated by exhaust gas scrubbers, a largely unregulated and growing source of marine pollution.

Few actions offer such broad environmental benefits. Recent IMO meetings must seize this moment to adopt bold climate measures, including a global low-GHG fuel standard and a levy on ship emissions, to steer the shipping industry toward a cleaner, fairer future. An IMO working group met in London recently to discuss strategies for cutting greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, including a potential carbon tax. While the IMO is looking to approve emissions reduction measures at its Marine Environment Protection Committee meetings in the Spring, it is yet to commit to a carbon levy.

Supporters of a levy disagree on the price. Some suggest $20 per tonne of CO₂, the EU proposes $100, and the 6PAC+ group of island nations advocates for $150. Research from University College London indicates that a $150 starting price could generate enough revenue to fund the energy transition and support a fair, equitable shift for vulnerable communities.

#Protea #Emissions #Monitoring #CEMS #FTIR #Gas #Analysers #Shipping #Marine #Carbon #Capture

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