Ahead of MEPC85, IMarEST members highlight barriers to Net-Zero delivery

Ahead of MEPC85, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) has identified delivery, infrastructure, and value-chain coordination as the main obstacles for the IMO 2023 Greenhouse Gas strategy, according to its members. The Institute's Ship Energy and Environment Special Interest Group (SEESIG) conducted a survey among industry professionals, including ship management, classification societies, engineering, science, academia, and maritime services.

While there was no opposition to IMO's Net-Zero ambition, respondents pointed out infrastructure readiness, commercial incentives, fuel availability, and responsibility distribution among the maritime value chain as significant barriers. Alasdair Wishart, director of technical and policy at the IMarEST, noted that the industry is not opposing Net-Zero Framework but is seeking clarity.

Respondents expressed confidence in decarbonisation pathways like low and zero-carbon fuels, energy efficiency technologies, and operational improvements. However, uncertainties around fuel production, bunkering infrastructure, supply chains, and long-term regulatory frameworks were seen as slowing investment decisions. The need for enhanced collaboration between various industry stakeholders, including shipowners, operators, ports, fuel producers, charterers, cargo owners, and policymakers, was also emphasized.

Practical measures such as voyage optimization, digitalization, and just-in-time arrivals were identified as the most effective near-term emission reduction opportunities. IMarEST members believe that, even though the technologies for emissions reduction are available, the sector requires answers on creating investment confidence in fuels and infrastructure, as well as facilitation for industry-wide collaboration.

If this sample of IMarEST members represents the wider industry sentiment, the commitment to achieving Net-Zero by 2050 remains strong, and the focus is now on removing practical barriers to deliver it.