IMO: Proposals for aligning the fifth GHG study and CII with the 2023 strategy

Eda Zenic -

The International Maritime Organization published a document proposing a strategy for aligning the Fifth IMO GHG Study with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy to better manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships.

Key Proposals

  1. Defining the 2008 Baseline
  • Current Situation: The 2023 IMO GHG Strategy sets targets for reducing international shipping emissions by 2030 and 2040, using 2008 as the baseline year. However, there is currently ambiguity regarding the exact emissions value for 2008.
  • Recommendations:
    • Clear Baseline Value: The Fifth IMO GHG Study should establish a precise and unambiguous value for the 2008 baseline emissions. This clarity will allow stakeholders to accurately gauge progress towards the 2030 and 2040 targets.
    • Study Parameters: The study should cover both "voyage-based" and "vessel-based" CO2 emissions, as well as "tank-to-wake" (TtW) and "well-to-wake" (WtW) emissions for 2008 and any future periods.
    • Decision Timeline: A decision on the baseline should be made when the interim report of the Fifth IMO GHG Study is reviewed at MEPC 84 in 2026.
  1. Aligning Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) with 2023 IMO GHG Strategy
  • Current Situation: The CII is a tool designed to measure and reduce the carbon intensity of ships. Its current reduction rates are set only until 2026, which does not cover the 2030 and 2040 targets outlined in the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.
  • Recommendations:
    • Extend CII Reduction Rates: The required annual CII reduction rates should be extended to 2030 and 2040 to ensure they are consistent with the absolute GHG reduction targets of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.
    • Avoid Perverse Incentives: Ensure that the CII framework does not unintentionally encourage operational practices that could increase emissions, rather than reduce them.
  1. Integration of Workstreams
  • Current Situation: The review of the CII framework and the Fifth IMO GHG Study are separate processes. The CII review is scheduled to be completed before the interim report of the Fifth IMO GHG Study is available.
  • Recommendations:
    • Timely Integration: The CII review, expected to be completed at MEPC 83, should include preliminary CII reduction rates. These rates can be adjusted based on the findings of the Fifth IMO GHG Study, which will be reviewed at MEPC 84 and finalized at MEPC 85.

Strategic Direction

  • Alignment with IMO Strategy: The proposals aim to align the study and CII adjustments with the strategic direction set by the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy, ensuring that emission reduction goals are met effectively.

Action Requested

  • Committee Consideration: The MEPC is invited to review the proposals presented in the document and take necessary actions to implement them. This includes approving the process for the Fifth IMO GHG Study and extending the CII reduction requirements as recommended.

The document references several related resolutions and prior MEPC documents, which provide context and background for the current proposals. These include resolutions on the Fourth IMO GHG Study, the CII framework, and past MEPC sessions discussing these issues.

IMO Resolution MEPC.377(80): 2023 IMO GHG Strategy
The IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee adopted MEPC.377(80), the IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships.
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