The Week in Alt Fuels: IMO talks resume amid policy divide
Divisions over the ambition, costs and fuel pathways of the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework continue as the GHG working group reconvenes for negotiations this week. The IMO’s 22nd Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 22) is meeting in London from 1-4 September to discuss the future of the NZF. Proposals ...
The 22nd Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 22) is underway in London from September 1-4 to discuss the future of the IMO's Net-Zero Framework (NZF). Proposals from Liberia, Tuvalu, Brazil, and Australia, Canada, South Africa, and the UK are being considered. However, Japan's submission was not circulated six months prior to the session and cannot be adopted under MARPOL rules.
Liberia and Panama have proposed removing GHG pricing and setting GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) reduction targets based on affordability, availability, and scalability of low-emission fuels. The targets would be reviewed every five years. US Federal Maritime Commissioner Laura DiBella supports LNG and liquefied biomethane (LBM) as long-term shipping fuels, stating that LBM can use existing LNG infrastructure and vessels.
However, several climate groups criticize the proposed frameworks for weakening financial incentives and for potentially limiting alternate fuel options.
While fuel producer groups lobby for rules to scale low- and zero-emission fuels, the final shape of the NZF remains undecided. Negotiations will continue at the next ISWG-GHG session in November, followed by MEPC 85 from November 30 to December 3. If a final text is agreed upon, it could be formally adopted at the resumed extraordinary session on December 4.
Written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.