Steering towards carbon-neutral ocean shipping: the 2023 IMO strategy

Shipping is a comparatively cost-effective and low-carbon mode of transport. Maritime shipping accounts for about 3% of global CO2 emissions due to the vast volumes of goods it transports. Cargo and passenger ships largely use heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine diesel. The burning of these fuels leads to high pollutant emissions. The 2023 strategy of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) seeks to mitigate the impact of shipping on climate change.

Melting and polluted ice indicates emissions from shipping.

In 2023, the IMO adopted measures to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. This was done with the aim of mitigating the impact of maritime transport on climate change. Switzerland supports the IMO's objectives, which are consistent with Switzerland's Maritime Strategy 2023–2027.

The IMO strategy seeks to achieve net zero emissions in maritime transport by 2050 and restrict global warming to 1.5 °C. The indicative checkpoints are:

  • By 2030: reduce emissions by 20-30%, increase efficiency by 40% and achieve 5-10% market share for zero or near-zero GHG fuels and energy sources;
  • By 2040: reduce emissions by 70-80%;
  • By 2050: achieve net-zero emissions.

The IMO is pursuing a broad-based approach with a number of actions for implementing the strategy. These specifically include:

  • Enhancing the efficiency of seagoing ships to minimise energy consumption;
  • Introducing alternative, zero or near-zero GHG fuels and technologies (such as hydrogen and ammonia as well as wind energy);
  • Providing incentives for research to step up the development of new technologies and clean energy sources for shipping;
  • Supporting developing countries, particularly small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs), in transitioning to low-emission shipping technologies;
  • Introducing market mechanisms, such as emissions trading schemes and carbon pricing, to create financial incentives for emissions reductions.

Implementation of the IMO strategy will require close international cooperation since maritime shipping is a key pillar of global trade. The IMO has already implemented initial short-term measures for enhancing efficiency. Negotiations are underway on further measures, notably on a marine fuel standard that regulates the carbon-intensity of fuels as well as a universal GHG levy. The Swiss Maritime Navigation Office (SMNO) is actively involved in these negotiations, where it represents Switzerland's interests.

Contact

FDFA Swiss Maritime Navigation Office SMNO
Elisabethenstrasse 33
P.O.Box
Switzerland - 4010 Basel