3. IMO GHG Strategy

The chapter examines the critical role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in regulating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping, a sector responsible for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions. It traces the historical development of maritime pollution control, from the early debates on territorial seas to the adoption of the MARPOL convention and its subsequent amendments. The text delves into the concept of carbon intensity, a key metric for assessing a ship's GHG emissions per unit of transport work, and discusses the implementation of indices such as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Energy Efficiency Existing Index (EEXI), and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). The chapter also explores the IMO's evolving GHG strategy, culminating in the 2023 strategy that aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, and the introduction of life-cycle assessment (LCA) for evaluating well-to-wake GHG emissions. Furthermore, it highlights the shift towards alternative fuels and the ongoing discussions on revising existing indices to include a broader range of GHGs and production-phase emissions. The chapter concludes by setting the stage for a detailed exploration of alternative fuels in the subsequent chapter, offering a comprehensive overview of the regulatory landscape and technological advancements driving the decarbonization of the shipping industry.