INTERCARGO Calls for Clarity on IMO GHG Mechanisms

The industry body representing shipping’s largest segment - dry bulk shipping - has issued a call for clarity on the IMO’s proposed greenhouse gas mechanisms ahead of talks at ISWG-GHG-19 and MEPC 83.

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) has called for ‘straightforward and practical mid-term measures’ as the IMO’s climate negotiations enter the next critical phase. 

Two key meetings - ISWG-GHG-19 (Intercessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships) and MEPC 83 (Maritime Environment Protection Committee 83rd session) will potentially see mechanisms adopted that will require ships to reduce emissions. 

However, INTERCARGO has suggested that the priority of these two meetings should be to avoid overly complicated mechanisms and should focus on ‘simplicity, predictability, and implementation readiness’. 

INTERCARGO has called for two key outcomes from the meetings: 

• A clear, predictable carbon price that shipping companies can easily integrate into their business planning.
• Any measures adopted at MEPC 83 should be supported by equally practical implementation guidelines and with realistic implementation timelines. 

In a press release, INTERCARGO’s Secretary General, Kostas Gkonis, said: 

“The upcoming ISWG-GHG-19 and MEPC 83 meetings represent a pivotal moment for maritime decarbonisation. 

We fully support ambitious environmental goals, but the measures adopted must be practical and implementable also for tramp and bulk shipping. As negotiations intensify, we urge Member States to focus on solutions that will deliver real emissions reductions without compromising operational efficiency and the smooth global transportation of essential goods”.

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