As geopolitical storm grows, fresh produce shippers watch for outcome of crucial meeting on sustainability framework that could reshape industry strategy for years to come
Efforts to achieve net zero in international shipping by limiting greenhouse gas emissions are caught in a geopolitical storm this week, as the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) prepares to vote on proposed additions to a globally agreed treaty on pollution.
During an extraordinary meeting due to conclude on Friday, the MEPC will discuss draft additions to the Marpol treaty that include the IMO Net-Zero Framework (NZF), a legal text which supporters claim is vital if the air pollution emitted by ships is to be minimised.
Part of a section known as Annex VI, the proposed updates would introduce a global fuel standard that limits the intensity of fuel emissions, as well as some form of pricing and compliance mechanism – for example a levy or credit trading system – for ships that exceed any agreed threshold.
One leading fresh produce shipper told Fruitnet the vote could have a massive impact on the business for years to come: “We keenly await the outcome of this weeks MEPC session – especially the decision to adopt, or not, the NZF. This decision will inform our strategies for vessels, equipment and [fuel] for the next five years at least, if not beyond.”
Critics, most notably in the US and Middle East, argue that the NZF represents an attack on consumers, energy providers, and shipping companies themselves, while also favouring other countries including China.
The US has even gone as far as saying that it will retaliate against IMO members that vote in favour of the net zero emissions plan.
In a joint statement issued in August, leading figures in Trump’s cabinet said: “The Trump Administration unequivocally rejects this proposal before the IMO and will not tolerate any action that increases costs for our citizens, energy providers, shipping companies and their customers, or tourists.”
They added: “Our fellow IMO members should be on notice that we will look for their support against this action and not hesitate to retaliate or explore remedies for our citizens should this endeavour fail.”
The Marpol Convention, the short name for the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, is one of the most important international treaties for protecting the marine environment.
It was adopted by the IMO in November 1973 and expanded five years later in response to a series of tanker accidents, before it entered into force in October 1983.
In 1997, following a number of previous updates, a new protocol was adopted to amend the treaty. Annex VI entered into force in May 2005.
