The European Commission has welcomed a major agreement reached at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global shipping by 2050. While not fully aligned with the Paris Agreement yet, this is seen as a foundational step toward the industry’s energy transition.
Key elements include:
Global GHG Fuel Standard: new regulations will reduce the GHG intensity of marine fuels across their entire lifecycle, using standardized criteria and certification systems to ensure global fairness and sustainability.
Emissions Pricing Mechanism: A global carbon pricing system will begin in 2028, starting at $100 per tonne of CO₂, generating $11–13 billion annually to fund clean fuel development and support vulnerable nations.
Incentives for Clean Technologies: The plan encourages early adoption of zero- and near-zero emission fuels like renewable methanol and ammonia.
The agreement awaits formal confirmation in October 2025 by the International Maritime Organisation. The Commission will also assess the new global measure to see how it interacts with current EU maritime related regulations, maintaining environmental integrity while avoiding significant double burden.