Event at the International Maritime Organization focused on reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions from ships

Brazil participated in the 18th Intersessional Meeting of the Working Group on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships, organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Representatives from the Brazilian Navy actively participated in discussions on the technical and economic measures to be established to achieve the goals set out in the IMO 2023 Strategy.

The document reinforces the commitment of the Organization and its Member States to reducing GHG emissions from the global maritime sector, encouraging an energy transition to contribute to the target of limiting global warming to 1.5ºC, as defined in the Paris Agreement. The goal is to achieve “net zero” emissions in the maritime sector by around 2050. In 2018, approximately 3% of global GHG emissions originated from international maritime transport.

During an intense week of debates, from February 17 to 21, the main topics discussed included: necessary measures for a just and equitable energy transition in the maritime sector; GHG emissions pricing; incentives for alternative fuels and new technologies; and certification of sustainable, low-emission alternative fuels.
According to the Brazilian Navy, the ambition level for emissions reduction is bold, making the negotiations challenging. The different measures will have impacts that are still being studied and measured, such as the effects on the economy and food security of less developed countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

“In this context, Brazil advocates that the measures to be adopted should mitigate the disproportionate impacts on international trade, particularly on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and SIDS, as they could penalize economies with longer maritime communication lines, such as South American countries,” highlighted the Maritime Authority.

According to the Navy, at the end of the discussions, continued efforts were observed among the parties to reach a consensus on the measures, which are expected to be approved at the next session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) in April. After approval, the measures will be adopted in October 2025 and come into force in 2027.

About IMO

The International Maritime Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for regulating maritime transport. It was established following an agreement at a UN conference held in Geneva in 1948 and first convened in 1959. Brazil is one of the 176 Member States, and the Brazilian Navy has been responsible for the Permanent Representation of Brazil at IMO since 2000, defending national interests within the organization.