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IBIA: IMO’s revised GHG strategy taking shape

Discussions at ISWG-GHG 14 were by no means conclusive, but there appears to be growing consensus around several key elements; IBIA observed growing support for a 100% decarbonisation target for 2050.
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The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) on Monday (27 March) released an article on its observations of the 14th session of the Intersessional Working Group on GHG Emissions:

Negotiations continued at the IMO last week as the UN body strives to define how quickly greenhouse gases (GHG) from international shipping should be eliminated, and the regulatory tools that should be adopted to achieve it.

The 14th session of the Intersessional Working Group on GHG Emissions (ISWG-GHG 14), meeting from 20 to 24 March, was tasked with further developing the draft revised IMO Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships, and associated policy instruments to ensure the ambitions set out in the strategy are met.

Progress is critical because, in July this year, all eyes will be on the 80th session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80) to adopt a more ambitious GHG strategy than the IMO’s initial GHG Strategy from 2018. The initial strategy calls for a 50% reduction of all GHG emissions from international shipping by 2050 (compared to 2008), and a reduction in the carbon intensity (CO2 emitted per transport work) of 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050.

The discussions at ISWG-GHG 14 were by no means conclusive, but there appears to be growing consensus around several key elements.

This is what IBIA has observed during last week’s negotiations:

Levels of ambition in the 2023 GHG strategy

  • There is growing support for a 100% decarbonisation target for 2050 (up from 50% in the 2018 strategy). Discussions are ongoing as to whether that should be “phasing out GHG emissions” from shipping, or achieving “net zero”. Both take full lifecycle emissions (well to wake) into account.
  • Opinions are more divided regarding whether there should be new and more ambitious targets for 2030. Several want to keep the current ambition to reduce CO2 emissions per transport work by at least 40% by 2030, while some want this to be increased to at least 65%.  There was also a proposal to aim for a 37% reduction of overall GHG emissions from shipping by 2030.
  • There is some support for requiring a 5% uptake of alternative fuels by 2030 to kick-start the energy transition. However, others want to focus on the energy used by global shipping at this stage.
  • Several are arguing for an intermediate 2040 overall CO2 emission reduction target to ensure the 2050 target is achieved. Reductions of 50%, 80% and 96% compared to 2008 were discussed for 2040. Others prefer that intermediate targets in 2030 and 2040 should serve as checkpoints towards the 2050 level of ambition.

Policy tools to support the levels of ambition

Referred to at the IMO as a “basket of measures” – there is broad support for these to comprise both economic elements to reduce the price gap between fossil fuels and low-carbon alternatives, and technical elements to promote a gradual decrease of the GHG intensity of marine fuels. There was significant support to include the following elements:

  • Phasing in a GHG fuel standard, possibly requiring a 5% uptake of alternative fuels by 2030 in the 2023 revised GHG strategy (see above). It is worth noting that this proposal would help align IMO policies with the European Union’s FuelEU Maritime policy, which now looks set to require ships covered by that regulation to use at least 2% renewable and low carbon fuels from 2025 onwards, increasing to 6% from 2030 onwards, increasing further every five years.
  • Policies should be based on full lifecycle emissions (well to wake), supported by the LCA Guidelines developed by the IMO.
  • Putting a price on carbon emissions. Most support a flat rate as opposed to a carbon trading system where the price of carbon will fluctuate. Initial proposals range from $50 to $100 per tonne of CO2 emissions. The exact level of such a carbon levy will require further discussion.
  • Finding a way to incentivise early movers through some form of rebate or reward (making investments in ships that can use alternative fuels and technologies less risky/more attractive).
  • Providing financial and technical support to developing countries, to ensure an equitable and fair transition. Impact on states of any measure needs to be assessed.
  • While there is little support for the IMO to make regulations for so-called “Green Corridors”, it could be a means for individual countries to assist in facilitating uptake of alternative fuels, and should be promoted by the IMO.

 

Photo credit: IBIA
Published: 28 March, 2023

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Winding up

Singapore: High Court to hear Norvic Shipping Asia winding up application on 31 July

Application for the winding up of Norvic Shipping Asia Pte Ltd was filed by Netherlands-registered Mur Shipping BV on 8 April, according to Government Gazette notice.
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July 22, 2026

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RESIZED singapore high court

An application for the winding up of Norvic Shipping Asia Pte Ltd was filed by Netherlands-registered Mur Shipping BV on 8 April, according to a Tuesday (21 July) notice on the Government Gazette.

It noted the winding up application is directed to be heard before the Judge sitting in the General Division of the High Court at 10am on 31 July.

Any creditor or contributory of the company desiring to support or oppose the making of an order on the winding up application may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose.

A copy of the winding up application will be furnished to any creditor or contributory of the company requiring the copy of the winding up application by the solicitors of the applicant’s, Oon & Bazul LLC, on payment of the regulated charge for the same.

The Applicant’s address is Hiridostraat 5, Gebouw Prismatrium, 1101CW Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The Applicant’s solicitors are Oon & Bazul LLC of 103 Penang Rd, #04-04/05/06 Singapore 238467. 

Queries on the winding up application may be directed to the following email addresses: [email protected] and [email protected].

 

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Methanol

World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to “Arctic Tern” via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel “M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan”.
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July 22, 2026

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World Fuel and partners complete first green methanol bunkering of car carrier in Shanghai

Marine fuel provider World Fuel on Tuesday (21 July) said it successfully completed the first green methanol bunkering of M/V Arctic Tern, with EUKOR Car Carriers and SIPG Energy at the Port of Shanghai. 

Arctic Tern is the first vessel in the new Shaper Class series of car carriers. 

The operation involved the delivery of approximately 2,800 MT of green methanol to Arctic Tern via a ship-to-ship transfer using SIPG Energy’s dedicated methanol bunkering vessel M/V Hai Gang Zhi Yuan, the largest vessel of its kind in operation. 

The bunkering operation was carried out at Haitong Terminal, Waigaoqiao Port Area, Shanghai Port, with cargo handling operations conducted simultaneously during bunkering.

This marks EUKOR Car Carriers’ first green methanol operation and the first time Arctic Tern has bunkered methanol since its delivery on 9 July. The operation marked the first bunkering at Shanghai Port of green methanol produced locally in Shanghai for an international PCTC operator. 

It also demonstrated the city’s integrated green methanol value chain, spanning local production, storage and bunkering, and established a replicable “Shanghai Model” for green methanol supply.

World Fuel arranged the supply and delivery of the fuel on behalf of EUKOR Car Carriers, working with SIPG Energy as the physical supplier at the Port of Shanghai.

The green methanol supplied was produced from municipal solid waste, ISCC-EU certified, and had a carbon intensity value below 25 gCO₂e/MJ.

Arctic Tern is the first of fourteen Shaper Class vessels ordered by Wallenius Wilhelmsen. With a capacity of 9,300 car equivalent units and methanol dual-fuel capability, the vessel will be operated by EUKOR Car Carriers, jointly owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Hyundai Motor Group. Following her first green methanol bunkering, Arctic Tern will continue her maiden voyage from Asia to Europe.

Xavier Leroi, COO Shipping Services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen and CEO of EUKOR Car Carriers, said: “Completing Arctic Tern’s first green methanol bunkering shortly after delivery is a significant milestone towards our decarbonisation ambition for both EUKOR Car Carriers and Wallenius Wilhelmsen. It demonstrates how investments in next-generation vessel technology and fuel flexibility are being translated into real-world operations. 

“This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between all parties involved. Together, we have shown how partnerships across the maritime value chain can help make lower-emission fuels available and operationally viable at scale.”

Mark Tamsitt, SVP Global Marine Sales at World Fuel, said, “The first bunkering event with a new fuel is a significant moment for any shipowner, and our role is to make it as seamless as possible. By connecting EUKOR Car Carriers with SIPG Energy’s proven green methanol capability at the Port of Shanghai, we were able to deliver on reliable supply, fuel quality, and safe processes. As more of our customers bring methanol dual-fuel tonnage into service, we are committed to being the partner that makes these kinds of operations routine.”

Mr. Zhang Da, General Manager of SIPG Energy, said, “Welcoming Arctic Tern to the Port of Shanghai for her first green methanol bunkering demonstrates the strength and maturity of our supply capability. Building on our well-established methanol ship-to-ship bunkering services for container vessels, we have already extended such services to pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). This bunkering sets a new record for the largest single SIMOPs green methanol bunkering for PCTCs in China, marking another step in building Shanghai’s position as a global green energy hub for international shipping.”

This operation follows Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s announcement on 9 July that Arctic Tern would complete her first methanol bunkering shortly after delivery. The vessel entered service on routes between Asia and Europe immediately following handover from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.

 

Photo credit: World Fuel
Published: 22 July, 2026

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Ammonia

HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

HPA says the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.
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July 22, 2026

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HPA and MB Energy develop safety concept for STS ammonia bunkering

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and integrated energy company MB Energy on Tuesday (21 July) said they have completed a comprehensive risk analysis and developed a dedicated safety concept for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering.

MB Energy said the analysis lays the groundwork for the safe introduction of ammonia as a future marine fuel.

“With our planned ammonia import terminal in Hamburg-Blumensand, MB Energy intends to provide the reliable land side supply infrastructure needed to support this transition across northern German ports,” it said in a social media post. 

Mabanaft Group was renamed to MB Energy last year and merged over 50 existing brands under one identity. 

Separately, HPA said the Port of Hamburg will become “bunker ready” for ammonia, laying the groundwork for safe and reliable ammonia bunkering in the future.

“The focus is in particular on container ships, cruise ships as well as RoRo and ConRo (Container/RoRo) ships,” it said. 

“We expect ammonia to establish itself as an alternative marine marine fuel in the coming years. With our preparatory work, we are already creating the conditions to welcome the first ammonia-powered ships in Hamburg and to bunker them safely.:

HPA added that the import terminal for ammonia planned by MB Energy from 2029 will make a decisive contribution to ensuring the reliable availability of ammonia as a bunker fuel in northern German ports in the long term. 

“The use of an ammonia bunker barge is considered a possible addition to the landside infrastructure to enable ship bunkering in the port and beyond in the future,” it said.

Related: Mabanaft Group renames as MB Energy, merging over 50 brands under one identity

 

Photo credit: Hamburg Port Authority
Published: 22 July, 2026

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