Member States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), meeting at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80), have adopted the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, with enhanced targets to tackle harmful emissions.

The strategy aims to achieve net zero emissions of greenhouse gases through ship transportation by 2050, passing through intermediate targets including a reduction of at least 20% of the absolute value of emissions in 2030, and striving to reach 30% and a reduction of at least 70% of the maximum value. For emissions in 2040, with the aim of reaching 80%, and in order to implement these goals, the strategy provides an ambitious timetable for adoption in 2025, and entry into force in 2027.

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr. Kitack Lim, stated that the adoption of the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy is a monumental development for IMO and opens a new chapter towards maritime decarbonization. At the same time, the strategy is a starting point for concerted international efforts towards achieving global goals with regard to the issue of climate change in the coming decades.

An Egyptian Delegation took part in the ISWG-GHG 15 working group, which was held from 26 to 30 June 2023. Delegations from many countries, up to 80 countries, participated in that meeting. Our permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization at the Egyptian Embassy in London attended the MEPC 80 Meetings alongside with virtual attendance by number of specialists from the maritime transport sector.