Revised GHG strategy and measures - MEPC 80
The 80th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEP 80) marks a significant milestone in the ongoing international efforts to protect and preserve our oceans and marine ecosystems. As a specialized agency of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the MEPC focuses on addressing the environmental challenges posed by the shipping industry This article will explore the key points of MEPC 80 and highlight its ambitious targets.MEPC Recap on GHG measures
MEPC took several important steps toward a more sustainable shipping industry. One of its significant accomplishments was the adoption of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, introducing the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). These measures aim to reduce carbon emissions from existing ships by enhancing energy efficiency and establishing mandatory reporting mechanisms. MEPC 79 also addressed the issue of biofouling, introducing guidelines to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species through the adoption of effective anti-fouling systems.
Synopsis on Greenhouse Gases (GHG)
1. The 2023 IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships
The 2023 IMO GHG strategy was adopted by MEPC 80 and includes updated ambition levels and an itinerary for a thorough impact assessment used to choose potential mid-term solutions. The ambition includes the following points.
- A reduction in CO2 emissions per transport work by 2030 is to be at least 40% as an average across international shipping compared to 2008 levels.
- Indicative checkpoints to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping to reduce the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20%, striving for 30%, by 2030, compared to 2008, and 70% striving for 80% by 2040, compared to 2008.
- Uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels, and/or energy sources to represent at least 5%, striving for 10% of the energy used by international shipping by 2030.
- To peak the GHG emissions from international shipping as soon as possible and to reach net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050 at the latest.
The draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI Appendix IX were approved, the amendments require the below-listed items to be reported under DCS. The amendments will be adopted at MEPC 81.
- Transport work
- Fuel consumption by each emission source.
- Fuel consumption while the ship is not underway.
- The distance travelled during a laden voyage (voluntary basis)
- The total amount of onshore power supplied.
MEPC approved the LCA standards, which it will use to support any mid-term decisions made at upcoming meetings. The LCA rules allow for a Well-to-Wake estimate of total GHG emissions connected to the production and consumption of marine fuels, including Well-to-Tank and Tank-to-Wake emission factors.
4. Mid-term measures for reduction of GHG
MEPC agreed that additional research and impact analysis should be conducted in order to choose mid-term measures that should have both a technical and an economic component. The 2023 GHG Strategy has been taken into consideration when determining the task scope and timing. At MEPC 81, an interim report is anticipated to be discussed. The two goal-based measures are below:
- A technical element, namely a goal-based marine fuel standard regulating the phased reduction of the marine fuel's GHG intensity.
- An economic element, on the basis of a maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanism.
Well-to-Tank and Tank-to-Wake emission factors.
5. Interim Guidelines on the Use of Biofuel
Regulations 26, 27, and 28 of MARPOL Annex VI on the use of biofuels were authorized by MEPC and will take effect on October 1st, 2023. The recommendations allow for the assignment of a CO2 emission conversion factor (Cf) taking into account the following factors.
- A certificate issued under an international certification scheme must be possessed by the ship operators using Biofuels.
- The Cf for blends should be calculated using the weighted average of the Cf for the various fuel amounts by energy.
- Compared to the well-to-wake emission of fossil MGO, which is 94 gCO2e/MJ, well-to-wake GHG reductions must be at least 65%.
- Cf cannot be less than zero and is equal to the value of the fuel's well-to-wake GHG emissions as stated on the certificate multiplied by its Lower Calorific Value (LCV).
- The Bunker Delivery Note should be accompanied by a Proof of Sustainability or comparable paperwork from a recognized program to make it easier to verify the claimed biofuel consumption.
- Biofuels that are not "sustainable" certified or that do not meet the well-to-wake emission factor standard should be given a Cf equal to the Cf of the corresponding fossil fuel type.
