Arsenio Dominguez reveals the IMO’s plan to decarbonize shipping by 2050
Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has shared the organization’s plans and focus areas for the next four years, to ensure safer, more secure and environmentally friendly shipping.
Speaking at the IMO headquarters in London, Dominguez outlined four strategic priorities: IMO’s work to regulate international shipping; its support to member states – particularly small island developing states and least developed countries; enhancing public awareness and image; and relations with people and stakeholders.
He said, “As a global industry that is responsible for transporting over 80% of trade around the world, shipping is indispensable. One thing I am very focused on is to make this organization a more diverse, inclusive and transparent institution.”
The secretary-general provided an update on IMO work toward decarbonizing shipping by or around 2050. This reportedly makes it the first UN agency and first sector to define a global strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions, including mandatory measures to deliver on targets.
In March 2024, advance discussions of ‘mid-term measures’ will be carried out to support emissions reduction in the medium term. These measures include a global marine fuel standard and pricing mechanism. An interim report with an assessment of the impact that these measures will have on countries will be considered by the Marine Environment Protection Committee at its 81st session (MEPC 81). In October 2024, the IMO will finalize the impact assessment (MEPC 82). The organization will look to complete the approval of measures (MEPC 83) in the spring of 2025, and the adoption of measures six months after MEPC 83 in the autumn of 2025.
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