Green shipping: IMO's steering in stormy seas

CAN IMO agree on a realistic greenhouse gas reduction strategy?

The way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships is the big issue this week at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Last week saw the first meeting of the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships at IMO headquarters in London. That working group, which met in a closed session, was due to report to this week's session of IMO's International Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 71).

That report will form the basis for debate as IMO tries to develops a comprehensive strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships, which was agreed at MEPC 70 in October last year. An initial IMO GHG strategy is set to be adopted at MEPC 72 in spring 2018, setting out possible short, mid and long-term measures with possible timelines.