MEPC urges to set ambitious emission reduction target by 2030

The International Maritime Organization should adopt a more ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction target by 2030.

For the first time since May 2019, IMO member states meet in the agency’s London headquarters to attend the 79th session of the agency’s Marine Environment Protection Committee. The session will run until Friday.

IMO is currently in the process of revisiting its existing climate strategy of halving emissions from ships by 2050.

Activists with Ocean Rebellion held a demonstration outside IMO’s headquarters in London, urging the agency to halve shipping emissions before 2030 and start taxing shipping fuel. 

Ships are responsible for roughly 3% of global emissions, releasing around one billion tons of greenhouse gas emission every year.

At the opening of MEPC 79, IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim welcomed the commitment of member states to finalize the revision of the initial strategy at MEPC 80 in July 2023.

Other issues on the agenda include ballast water management, marine plastic litter from ships, and proposal to establish a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea.

Delegates are also tackling a basket of medium-term measures to slash emissions from ships, including a carbon levy.