In 2007 international shipping was estimated to have contributed about 2.7% to the global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). IMO has adopted mandatory technical and operational energy efficiency measures which will significantly reduce the amount of CO2 emissions from international shipping. The growth of world trade in the future represents a challenge to meeting a target for emissions required to achieve stabilisation in global temperatures and so IMO continues to work on the development of market-based measures as a complimentary means of achieving the required target for emissions.
Adoption of energy efficiency measures - background and documents
IMO participated in the UN Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa, and reported the significant outcome of MEPC 62 .
Background information and submissions
Podcast
IMO discusses the impact of its work to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping.
Studies and reports
Assessment of IMO-mandated energy efficiency measures for international shipping (2011) (PDF)
Expert Group (MBM-EG) feasibility study and impact assessment of proposed market-based measures (2010) (PDF)
Intersessional meeting of IMO’s Working Group on GHG from Ships (March 2011) considered the development of suitable MBMs (PDF)
Second IMO GHG Study 2009 - constitutes a significant scientific work undertaken at the global scale under the auspices of IMO. The Study equips IMO with scientific evidence not only to make the right decisions but also to enhance the Organization’s credentials as the best placed, and competent regulatory forum to establish an authoritative emissions control regime for international shipping. (PDF)
Related press briefings
EEDI guidelines adopted and continued work on market based measures at MEPC 62
Durban Conference outcome
Study shows significant reductions in CO2 emissions from ships from IMO measures
Mandatory energy efficiency measures for international shipping adopted at IMO environment meeting