IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez opened the 84th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84), urging Member States to find convergence and make meaningful progress on the IMO Net-Zero Framework to cut global shipping emissions, and set an example of effective multilateralism.
“I am pleased to see that many of you have used the time since last year’s extraordinary session wisely and productively,” IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said in his opening statement. “The submissions to this session, as well as the constructive discussions during last week’s ISWG-GHG 21, demonstrate a genuine commitment to address the concerns expressed at the extraordinary session and to move this work forward.
“I am confident the Committee is now in a better position to understand each other’s respective views, which will facilitate progress towards consensus on mid-term greenhouse gas reduction measures. In particular, I welcome the good progress on the guidelines supporting the technical element of the framework, notably the greenhouse gas fuel intensity, or GFI, regulating component. The work is not complete, however your work on the GFI Calculation Guidelines, together with the fuel certification and life-cycle assessment guidelines, provides a solid basis for further progress on globally harmonized reporting and will support practical and effective implementation.
With regard to the economic element, I am encouraged by your continued efforts to develop a shared understanding of what a just and equitable transition means in the IMO context.
“My request to you is that we engage in constructive and pragmatic exchanges. Listen to one another, here is no need to argue. We are adult enough to agree to disagree. There is no reason to repeat what happened last October. There is no need for it. Let us move forward where we agree and continue to elaborate where further work and understanding is required. At a time where there is already enough disagreement around the world, I ask you that we can set an example of effective multilateralism.
It is also important to recognize that IMO’s regulations are already delivering tangible results. According to IMO’s Fuel Consumption Reporting data submitted to this session, the carbon intensity of international shipping has decreased by more than 38% compared to 2008. This demonstrates that concrete action to reduce fuel consumption, save costs, and improve efficiency is possible today.
“You will also be invited this week to continue the review of the short-term measures, including the Carbon Intensity Indicator regulations, as well as consider emerging technologies including onboard carbon capture, wind propulsion, and the monitoring of methane and nitrous oxide emissions, with a view to provide further clarity on the use of fuels and technologies through global regulations.”
Other measures to be addressed at MEPC 84 include ballast water management & biofouling, marine plastic litter, and underwater radiated noise.
