In 1997, a new annex was
added to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from
Ships (MARPOL). The regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships (Annex VI) seek to minimize airborne emissions from ships (SOx, NOx,
ODS, VOC shipboard incineration) and their contribution to local and global air pollution and
environmental problems. Annex VI entered into force on 19 May 2005 and a
revised Annex VI with significantly tightened emissions limits was adopted in
October 2008 which entered into force on 1 July 2010.
In 2011, IMO adopted mandatory technical and
operational energy efficiency measures which are expected to significantly
reduce the amount of CO2 emissions from international shipping. These mandatory measures
(EEDI/SEEMP) entered into force on 1 January 2013.
IMO has adopted important guidelines aimed at supporting implementation of
the mandatory measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions
from international shipping, paving the way for the regulations on EEDI and
SEEMP to be smoothly implemented by Administrations and industry.
The expected growth of world trade represents a challenge to meeting a future target for emissions required to achieve stabilization in global temperatures and so IMO has begun consideration of further technical and operational measures to enhance the energy efficiency of ships.
IMO adopted a resolution on Promotion of Technical Co-operation and Transfer of Technology
relating to the Improvement of Energy Efficiency of Ships and is focusing
its efforts on technical co-operation and capacity building to ensure smooth
and effective implementation and enforcement of the new regulations worldwide. To that effect, IMO has been undertaking a
series of workshops in all regions of the world on implementation of the
measures to address GHG emissions from international shipping.
Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships
In 2012, international shipping was estimated to have contributed about 2.2% to the global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). Although international shipping is the most energy efficient mode of mass transport and only a modest contributor to overall CO2 emissions, a global approach to further improve its energy efficiency and effective emission control is needed as sea transport will continue growing apace with world trade.
As already acknowledged by the Kyoto Protocol, CO2 emissions from international shipping cannot be attributed to any particular national economy due to its global nature and complex operation. Therefore, IMO has been energetically pursuing the limitation and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping, in recognition of the magnitude of the climate change challenge and the intense focus on this topic.