The International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MPEC) is convening this week in London to try to negotiate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the global shipping industry. The discussions are expected to have major implications for global trade, climate action and economic resilience, with almost all of the 56 Commonwealth countries likely to be affected.
Ahead of these critical negotiations, more than 120 participants from 30 Commonwealth countries joined a high-level webinar on “Decarbonising Shipping: Key Decisions in IMO GHG Negotiations and their global impact”.
The Commonwealth Secretariat brought together policymakers, industry experts and negotiators to discuss the upcoming negotiations where critical decisions will be made to finalise legally binding measures for decarbonising global shipping.
In his opening remarks, Roel Hoenders, Head of Climate Action and Clean Air at the IMO, underscored the significance of the IMO’s revised GHG strategy and the path ahead:
"The IMO’s 2023 Revised Strategy sets clear targets for shipping to reach net-zero emissions by or around 2050, with legally binding commitments on track for adoption this year. The key challenge now is to ensure that regulatory measures are finalised in a way that is both effective and equitable, particularly for those most vulnerable to economic disruptions."
A keynote presentation by Dr Tristan Smith, Associate Professor in Energy and Transport at University College London, provided an overview of the technical and economic dimensions of the transition, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated global action.
Balancing climate ambition with economic realities
The panel discussion featured experts including Dr Neil Balchin, Economic Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat; Dr Oma Ofodile, Deputy Director at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency; John Kautoke, Legal Adviser to the “6PAC” Coalition at the IMO; and Kaylon Young, Ports Commissioner of the Belize Port Authority.
Addressing the economic and trade impacts of the transition, Dr Oma Ofodile noted:
"Nigeria, like many developing maritime nations, faces both challenges and opportunities in this transition. With the right investments, decarbonisation could unlock significant new energy and trade opportunities, reinforcing economic resilience while contributing to global climate goals."
John Kautoke highlighted the importance of ensuring SIDS are not left behind. He said that for Pacific nations, “shipping is a lifeline” and that it is critical that decarbonisation policies reflect the realities of remote island economies and provide the necessary infrastructure and finance for a just transition.
Kaylon Young underscored the need for capacity building and technology transfer to support developing countries in meeting any new IMO regulations, making the case for access to cleaner shipping technologies so that the transition to low-carbon shipping does not put an undue burden on developing economies.
Dr Neil Balchin stressed that many Commonwealth countries, particularly SIDS and smaller developing economies, already face disproportionately high trade costs. The shift towards greener shipping may raise these costs further during the transition and is likely to prompt a reconfiguration of global supply chains, with an increased focus on regional trade.
Navigating a just transition in global shipping
The Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration was referenced as a significant step in galvanising global momentum towards ocean-based climate solutions, including the decarbonisation of international shipping.
In closing, Kenroy Simmons, Legal Adviser for Ocean Governance at the Commonwealth Secretariat, reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting its members in international negotiations.
"The Commonwealth Secretariat will continue to provide technical assistance to member states, ensuring they are well-positioned to engage in the negotiations and advocate for fair and effective solutions."
A key point made at the webinar was the pivotal role of Marine Environment Protection Committee negotiations in shaping the future of global trade and maritime transport, with the next few months being critical for securing a regulatory framework which balances climate ambition with economic realities.
Media contact
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Suné Kitshoff Senior Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
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