International delegates attending the 4th IMO-UNEP-Norway Innovation Forum (24-25 October) have outlined a set of key recommendations to support developing countries in their journey to net zero shipping.
The recommendations, aimed at governments, industry partners and stakeholders involved in the maritime sector, cover a range of actions in finance, training, regulatory frameworks and national strategies.
Based on expert insights and interactive discussions at the 4th Innovation Forum, organized by IMO in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and funded by the Government of Norway, these proposals will contribute to shaping more targeted support to Member States. In particular, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developing Countries (LDCs), stand to benefit from the opportunities offered by maritime decarbonization.
A call for accelerated action
Opening the event, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, highlighted how these discussions will help deliver on the goals outlined in the 2023 IMO Strategy on the Reduction of Greenhouse gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships, including reaching net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by or around, i.e. close to 2050, with a significant uptake of alternative zero and near-zero GHG fuels by 2030.
“Key elements in the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy requires all stakeholders to join in a series of undertakings to support the transition… We all have a duty to ensure that no one is left behind in the decarbonization transition, and that developing countries benefit from maritime decarbonization opportunities,” he said.
H.E. Mr. Tore Hattrem, Ambassador of Norway to the United Kingdom encouraged the exchange of best practices and solutions, including those emanating from the work of IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 programme to support LDCs and SIDS, funded by Norway.
Ms. Martina Otto, Head of Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) Secretariat, Industry and Economy Division (IED), UNEP urged the shipping industry to do its part to support global climate goals: “Innovation is key to unlocking solution and getting them at scale. It’s time for the maritime sector to pool its economic power for good.”
Read the full recommendations here.
