The IMO's GHG Ambitions: A Mariner’s Discussion

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set out the 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 revised in 2023:

April 2018 – Initial GHG Strategy Adopted

First-ever climate strategy for international shipping.

Goals:

• Reduce CO₂ emissions intensity by 40% by 2030 (vs. 2008).
• Cut total GHG emissions by 50% by 2050.
• Ultimate goal: Full decarbonization.

 

July 2023 – Revised GHG Strategy

New goal: Reach net-zero GHG emissions by ~2050.

Interim targets:

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

This is an intensive path towards decarbonisation, 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 in the adoption of new technologies on board and ashore?  And is the role of seafarer being given adequate attention in the ongoing debate? 

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

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

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