Meanwhile, nations are expected to continue consultations to bridge differences over the framework, which seeks to align the maritime sector with the global goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
The framework project – approved in principle last April – would amend the MARPOL treaty to introduce a global fuel standard and pricing mechanism for greenhouse gas emissions from ships, which account for nearly three percent of global emissions.
If adopted, it would mark the first legally binding global system to curb maritime emissions.
No winners or losers
In his closing remarks, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez urged delegates to use the coming year to rebuild trust and seek consensus.
“Although they have differences of opinion, they all spoke in support of the work of this Organization,” he said.
“There are no winners or losers in this session. Let’s take this moment to learn from it and come back ready to negotiate and take the next steps necessary to achieve the objectives that everyone agreed to in the 2023 GHG strategy.”
He asked delegates not to celebrate the closing. “There are concerns that we must address, let’s work with each other,” said.
An insight into the second extraordinary session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).
A missed opportunity
U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York that Secretary-General António Guterres viewed the outcome as “a missed opportunity for member states to put the maritime sector on a clear and credible path to net-zero emissions.”
He stressed that decarbonizing the maritime sector – responsible for around 80 percent of global trade – “is essential.”
Media reports cited opposition from several major economies – including the United States – which argued that the proposed global pricing mechanism risked functioning as a “carbon tax” and could increase shipping costs by more than 10 percent.
Next steps
The IMO said an emissions working group would meet next week to continue developing technical guidelines for implementing the framework.