The IMO MEPC 76 adopted a 2% annual ship CO2 intensity reduction target between 2023-2026, representing an estimated 11% improvement by 2026 compared to 2019 levels, a decision that encountered strong opposition by green groups and major states.
To remind, the 76th session of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 76) kicked off virtually on 10 June, initially expected to adopt amendments to cut the carbon intensity of ships by 40% by 2030. At the opening of the session, #IMO Secretary-General warned that ‘failure is not an option’, stepping up ambitions for real progress on GHG emissions reduction from shipping.
In this respect, Monday’s decision faced opposition by the US, UK and EU member states who ambitioned at least 22% emissions reduction by 2026, while the measures also became subject of wide criticism across social media. In a Twitter post, NGO Clean Arctic Alliance said that the adopted short-term measures are so weak that “they will mean no reductions in CO2 emissions in coming 5 years”.
"MEPC 76 agreed on efficiency measure to reduce carbon intensity indistinguishable from business-as-usual. For next 10 years, shipping’s climate heating emissions will likely increase especially in Arctic where shipping is set to expand," the NGO said.
