UN agreement to pave the way for greener shipping

A majority in the UN maritime organization IMO has just adopted a binding climate regulation that will set international shipping on a course towards climate neutrality by 2050. The agreement was voted through before Easter in London and will be finally adopted in October 2025 with entry into force in 2027. This is reported by Green Power Denmark.

The agreement includes, among other things, requirements for reducing ships' greenhouse gas emissions and an economic mechanism where shipowners who do not meet the requirements must contribute to a new IMO Net-Zero Fund. The proceeds from this will support the use of green fuels and transition in the global south.

- It is clear to us that further work must be done nationally and internationally on the economic framework and clear incentives that actually promote the use of green PtX fuels, says Camilla Holbech, director of renewable energy, PtX and international cooperation at Green Power Denmark.

She also warns that the climate goals may otherwise be met with short-term solutions such as biofuels and liquefied natural gas.

The agreement was adopted with votes from 63 countries, including Denmark, while 16 countries voted against. The USA left the negotiations before the vote. A number of island states abstained in protest against the agreement's level of ambition.

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