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IMO: ​Revised GHG reduction strategy for global shipping adopted

IMO agreed to reduce the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 70%, striving for 80%, by 2040, compared to 2008 in its revised strategy for GHG reduction.

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The International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Friday (7 July) said it adopted a revised strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping.

Member States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), meeting at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80), have adopted the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, with enhanced targets to tackle harmful emissions.

The revised IMO GHG Strategy includes an enhanced common ambition to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping close to 2050, a commitment to ensure an uptake of alternative zero and near-zero GHG fuels by 2030, as well as indicative check-points for 2030 and 2040.

IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, said: "The adoption of the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy is a monumental development for IMO and opens a new chapter towards maritime decarbonization. At the same time, it is not the end goal, it is in many ways a starting point for the work that needs to intensify even more over the years and decades ahead of us. However, with the Revised Strategy that you have now agreed on, we have a clear direction, a common vision, and ambitious targets to guide us to deliver what the world expects from us."

"Above all, it is particularly meaningful, to have unanimous support from all Member States. In this regard, I believe that we have to pay more attention to support developing countries, in particular SIDS and LDCs, so that no one is left behind.”

IMO is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for developing global standards for shipping and supporting countries to implement those rules. 

Elements of the Strategy are outlined below:

2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships

The 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy) represents the continuation of work by IMO as the appropriate international body to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping.

Vision

IMO remains committed to reducing GHG emissions from international shipping and, as a matter of urgency, aims to phase them out as soon as possible, while promoting, in the context of this Strategy, a just and equitable transition.  

Levels of ambition

Levels of ambition directing the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy are as follows:   

  • carbon intensity of the ship to decline through further improvement of the energy efficiency for new ships 

to review with the aim of strengthening the energy efficiency design requirements for ships; 

  • carbon intensity of international shipping to decline 

to reduce CO2 emissions per transport work, as an average across international shipping, by at least 40% by 2030, compared to 2008;  

  • uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels and/or energy sources to increase 

uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels and/or energy sources to represent at least 5%, striving for 10%, of the energy used by international shipping by 2030; and 

  • GHG emissions from international shipping to reach net zero 

to peak GHG emissions from international shipping as soon as possible and to reach net-zero GHG emissions by or around, i.e. close to 2050, taking into account different national circumstances, whilst pursuing efforts towards phasing them out as called for in the Vision consistent with the long-term temperature goal set out in Article 2 of the Paris Agreement.

Indicative checkpoints

Indicative checkpoints to reach net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping:

  1. to reduce the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20%, striving for 30%, by 2030, compared to 2008; and 
  2. to reduce the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 70%, striving for 80%, by 2040, compared to 2008.

Basket of candidate mid-term GHG reduction measures

The 2023 GHG Strategy states that a basket of candidate measure(s), delivering on the reduction targets, should be developed and finalized comprised of both: 

  1. a technical element, namely a goal-based marine fuel standard regulating the phased reduction of the marine fuel's GHG intensity; and
  2. an economic element, on the basis of a maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanism.

The candidate economic elements will be assessed observing specific criteria to be considered in the comprehensive impact assessment, with a view to facilitating the finalization of the basket of measures.

The mid-term GHG reduction measures should effectively promote the energy transition of shipping and provide the world fleet a needed incentive while contributing to a level playing field and a just and equitable transition.

Impacts on States

The strategy says that the impacts on States of a measure/combination of measures should be assessed and taken into account as appropriate before adoption of the measure in accordance with the Revised procedure for assessing impacts on States of candidate measures. Particular attention should be paid to the needs of developing countries, especially SIDS and LDCs.

Barriers and supportive actions; capacity-building and technical cooperation; R&D

In the Strategy, the Committee recognizes that developing countries, in particular LDCs and SIDS, have special needs with regard to capacity-building and technical cooperation. An appendix provides an overview of relevant IMO initiatives supporting the reduction of GHG emissions from ships (read more on these initiatives).

Next steps

The 2023 Strategy sets out a timeline towards adoption of the basket of measures and adoption of the updated 2028 IMO GHG Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships:

  • MEPC 81 (Spring 2024) - Interim report on Comprehensive impact assessment of the basket of
  • candidate mid-term measures/Finalization of basket of measures
  • MEPC 82 (Autumn 2024) - Finalized report on Comprehensive impact assessment of the basket of candidate mid-term measures
  • MEPC 83 (Summer 2025) - Review of the short-term measure to be completed by 1 January 2026
  • MEPC 84 (Spring 2026) - Approval of measures / Review of the short-term measure (EEXI and CII) to be completed by 1 January 2026
  • Extraordinary one or two-day MEPC (six months after MEPC 83 in Autumn 2025) - Adoption of measures

Target dates:

  • MEPC 85 (Autumn 2026)
  • 16 months after adoption of measures (2027) - Entry into force of measures
  • MEPC 86 (Summer 2027) - Initiate the review of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy
  • MEPC 87 (Spring 2028)
  • MEPC 88 (Autumn 2028) - Finalization of the review of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy with a view to adoption of the 2028 IMO Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships

Life cycle GHG assessment guidelines adopte

The MEPC adopted Guidelines on life cycle GHG intensity of marine fuels (LCA guidelines) for consideration and adoption. The LCA guidelines allow for a Well-to-Wake calculation, including Well-to-Tank and Tank-to-Wake emission factors, of total GHG emissions related to the production and use of marine fuels.

Interim guidance on the use of biofuels

The MEPC approved an MEPC circular on Interim guidance on the use of biofuels under regulations 26, 27 and 28 of MARPOL Annex VI (DCS and CII).

Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80)

The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) addresses environmental issues under IMO's remit. This includes the control and prevention of ship-source pollution covered by the MARPOL treaty, including oil, chemicals carried in bulk, sewage, garbage and emissions from ships, including air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. Other matters covered include ballast water management, anti-fouling systems, ship recycling, pollution preparedness and response, and identification of special areas and particularly sensitive sea areas.

MEPC 80 met 3-7 July 2023 at IMO Headquarters in London. It was attended by some 1,800 delegates (in person and remotely).

 

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 10 July, 2023

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 9.1% on year in January 2025

4.46 million mt of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in January, a drop from 4.91 million mt recorded during the similar month in 2024, according to MPA data.

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Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 9.1% on year in January 2025

Sales of marine fuel at Singapore port decreased by 9.1% on year in January 2025, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) data.

In total, 4.46 million metric tonnes (mt) (exact 4,461,710 mt) of various marine fuel grades were delivered at the world’s largest bunkering port in January, a drop from 4.91 million mt (4,906,100 mt) recorded during the similar month in 2024.

Deliveries of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in January (against on year) recorded respectively 1.66 million mt (zero from 1.66 million mt), 2.43 million mt (-15% from 2.86 million mt), 900 (+100% from zero), 3,100 mt (-77% from 13,500 mt) and zero (from zero).

Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 9.1% on year in January 2025

Bio-blended variants of marine fuel oil, low sulphur fuel oil, ultra low sulphur fuel oil, marine gas oil and marine diesel oil in January (against on year) recorded respectively 16,000 (+100% from zero), 92,000 mt (+103% from 45,300 mt), zero (from zero), zero (from zero) and zero (from zero).

LNG and methanol sales were posted respectively at 6,600 mt (-36.5% from 10,400) and zero (from zero).

A complete series of articles on Singapore bunker volumes by Manifold Times in 2024 can be found below:

Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 5.2% on year in December 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales gain by 4.6% on year in November 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales gain by 10.8% on year in October 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales continue to increase by 2.8% on year in September 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 7.2% on year in August 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales up by 3.3% on year in July 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales gain 8.7% in June 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 6.7% in May 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales down by 0.6% on year in April 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales increase by 6.4% on year in March 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales up by 18.8% on year in February 2024
Related: Singapore: Bunker fuel sales up by 12.1% on year in January 2024

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 14 February, 2025

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Bunker Fuel

Singapore-based Straits Bio-LNG aims to deliver 250,000 mt of bio-LNG bunker fuel per year

Firm is currently in advanced stage of testing breaking down Empty Fruit Bunch through an established biological process with high enzyme concentration in its R&D facility in Malaysia to produce bio-LNG.

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Singapore-based Straits Bio-LNG aims to deliver 250,000 mt of bio-LNG bunker fuel per year

Straits Bio-LNG, a privately owned supplier of bio-LNG, is aiming to deliver 250,000 metric tonnes (mt) of bio-LNG per year in Singapore, according to SEA-LNG on Thursday (13 February).

The Singapore-based company, led by SK Tan as CEO, is doing so in response to the growing demand for LNG. LNG bunkering volumes have grown significantly in key bunkering hubs as more LNG-fuelled vessels have entered into operation. 

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) saw a dramatic four-fold increase in 2024 to almost 340,000 mt, SEA-LNG said in a statement announcing Straits Bio-LNG joining the coalition. 

Headquartered in Singapore, the company boasts a growing team led by SK Tan as CEO.  

Yiyong He, Director at Straits Bio-LNG, said: “We’re firmly convinced in the viability of the LNG pathway to decarbonise the shipping industry. With its very low carbon intensity and improving commerciality, liquified biomethane will be a critical piece of the puzzle for decarbonising the sector.”

“By joining SEA-LNG, we’re proud to be part of a collection of first movers making real strides to make the LNG pathway a tangible reality today.”

Straits Bio-LNG aims to reach its bio-LNG supply goal by using pioneering methods. It is currently in the advanced stage of testing breaking down Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) through an established biological process with high enzyme concentration in its R&D facility in Malaysia. 

Both Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) and EFB are sustainable biomass resources listed in the “List of Materials Eligible for ISCC EU Certification” and are therefore compliant with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED).

Peter Keller, chairman of SEA-LNG, added: “The Port of Singapore is the largest global bunkering hub. As seen in our View from the Bridge report, 2024 saw record growth in LNG and liquified biomethane bunkering, but we need more fuel to meet upcoming demand.”

“The use of liquefied biomethane as a marine fuel can reduce GHG emissions by up to 80% compared to marine diesel on a full well-to-wake basis. When produced from the anaerobic digestion of waste materials, such as manure, POME or EFB, methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere is captured, resulting in negative emissions of up to -190% compared with diesel."

An independent study by the Maritime Energy and Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence at Nanyang Technical University in Singapore found that pure bio-LNG could cover up to 13% of the total energy demand for shipping fuels in 2050, rising to 63% for a 20% blending ratio. 

SEA-LNG added MPA has firmly established itself as a leader in the LNG pathway, with suppliers such as Straits Bio-LNG reinforcing this position. 

Recently, the port launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) to explore scalable solutions for sea-based LNG reloading to complement the existing onshore LNG bunkering storage and jetty capacities and the supply of e/bio-methane as marine fuel in the Port of Singapore.

“Straits Bio-LNG will play a critical role in furthering the expansion of liquified biomethane at scale to meet the demand and continuing to showcase the LNG pathway as a practical and realistic solution for shipowners to decarbonise their operations, starting today,” it said. 

Related: Singapore: MPA launches EOI to expand LNG bunkering services amid growing demand

 

Photo credit: Straits Bio-LNG
Published: 14 February, 2025

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Alternative Fuels

South Korea to invest USD 154 million into construction of environment-friendly ships

Government, local governments, and public institutions plan to invest approximately KRW 222.3 billion (USD 154 million) to support the building or conversion of 81 environment-friendly ships.

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RESIZED Lauren Seo on Unsplash

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) Tuesday (11 February) announced that it has prepared the 2025 Implementation Plan for Environment-Friendly Ship Distribution in accordance with the first Master Plan for Environment-Friendly Ship Development and Distribution (2021-2030).

The government enacted the Act on the Promotion of Development and Distribution of Environment-Friendly Ships in December 2018 to mandate the public sector to build environment-friendly ships and provide the private sector with a legal basis to reduce acquisition taxes and provide subsidies when converting into environment-friendly ships. 

As a result, 199 ships were converted into environment-friendly ships as of last year.

This year, the government, local governments, and public institutions plan to invest approximately KRW 222.3 billion (USD 154 million) to support the building or conversion of 81 environment-friendly ships.

The public sector plans to build a total of 34 environment-friendly vessels, including electric-powered or hybrid ships, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, 15 operating ships will be equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPF) to reduce fine dust emissions.

In the private sector, support will be provided for building 20 ships in keeping with the demand for transitioning to environment-friendly vessels. Financial assistance such as secondary financing will continue to be offered as well for 12 vessels for installing environment-friendly equipment.

Meanwhile, applications for the 2025 First Phase of the Certified Environment-Friendly Vessel Supply Support Project will be accepted from 31  January 31 to 27 March to support the construction of environment-friendly vessels by small and medium-sized coastal shipping companies operating in domestic ports.

Eligible applicants include coastal shipping companies that order certified environment-friendly vessels such as electric-powered or liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled ships. Selected applicants can receive subsidies of up to 30% of the ship's construction cost depending on the certification grade and vessel construction expenses.

“We will make generous investments in small and medium-sized shipping companies to convert into environment-friendly ships, drastically reduce greenhouse gases in the shipping industry, and proactively respond to strengthening international decarbonization regulations,” Minister Kang Do-hyung said.

 

Photo credit: Lauren Seo on Unsplash
Published: 14 February, 2025

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