IMO's GHG Ambitions: A Mariner’s Discussion

06 May 2025 06:00PM - 07:00PM Online Branch U.S. Gulf (Houston)

The US Gulf (Houston) Branch of The Nautical Institute is pleased to announce its next technical webinar on the theme of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy, and its impact on the mariner.

The IMO has set out an ambition for the industry to become net-zero by 2050.  To help achieve this, it set out a comprehensive strategy timeline in 2018, which was significantly revised in 2023...

April 2018 – Initial GHG Strategy adopted - the first-ever climate strategy for international shipping.  Its goals included:

  • Reduce CO₂ emissions intensity by 40% by 2030 (against 2008 levels)
  • Cut total GHG emissions by 50% by 2050
  • Full decarbonization (ultimately).

July 2023 – Revised GHG Strategy adopted: new and revised goals, including:

  • Reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2050

(Interim targets of:)

  • A 20–30% reduction by 2030
  • A 70–80% reduction by 2040
  • An emphasis on life-cycle emissions (well-to-wake), alternative fuels and market-based measures.

This is an intensive path towards decarbonization, alternative fuels handling, restructuring of port and shore power facilities, changing operational practices and more.

But does this work for the seafarer?  What are the implications for crewing, crew competency and (re-)training, on board practices and procedures, and for the adoption of new technologies on board and ashore?  And is the role of the seafarer being given adequate attention in the ongoing debate? 

Our speaker, Mr Benjamin Buonviri (Regulatory Affairs Manager at ABS), will explore the landscape of regulatory compliance and how it is likely to affect the future mariner.  He will draw on his extensive 17-year career with ABS, as well as personal insights into the role of class societies in making the drive to net-zero work for everyone (especially seafarers) involved in seagoing trade.

For full and further details, please reach out to the Branch at [email protected].

 

NB This is an online-only event open to members across the US.

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We hope to see you there!

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