The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is setting its sights on COP29, the annual UN Climate Change Conference, where Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez will advocate for a unified global approach to achieve net-zero emissions in the shipping sector. The event in Baku, Azerbaijan, is expected to draw approximately 40,000 attendees, including government officials, civil society leaders, and representatives from the private sector, each bringing diverse perspectives on tackling climate change.
Central to the IMO’s agenda is the 2023 Strategy to Reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships, which aligns with the Paris Agreement. This strategy sets an ambitious target: a net-zero emissions goal for the shipping industry by 2050, or as close to this date as possible. At COP29, Dominguez aims to highlight the progress made towards this commitment, including the IMO’s ongoing work on binding economic and technical measures that would bring the industry closer to full decarbonization.
The IMO’s strategy isn’t just about regulating emissions but also underscores the importance of collaboration across industries, particularly with the energy and finance sectors and cargo owners. Given that global shipping is a lifeline for international trade and a vital link in the world’s energy transition, coordination with these sectors is considered critical for meaningful climate action. This year’s COP provides an international stage to reinforce these partnerships and showcase the maritime industry’s efforts in decarbonization.
Ahead of the conference, the IMO submitted a report to the UNFCCC’s Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 61), detailing its recent actions and milestones achieved toward reducing GHG emissions in shipping. A key highlight in this submission is the outcome of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) session, which took place in September and October 2024. During MEPC 82, IMO members advanced discussions on a global pricing mechanism for ship-based emissions and a universal marine fuel standard—proposals that could reshape the industry’s approach to sustainability. As a result of these discussions, member states reached preliminary agreements that led to a draft legal text, provisionally known as the “IMO Net-Zero Framework.” This document serves as the foundation for future negotiations, with an anticipated adoption date in 2025 and a target for enforcement by 2027.
As COP29 unfolds, the IMO team, led by Secretary-General Dominguez, will engage in various side events and bilateral meetings to advocate for these objectives. Notably, the IMO’s Climate and Clean Air Team will participate in multiple sessions throughout the conference. Among these is a prominent side event co-hosted with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), scheduled for November 20. This panel, themed “Decarbonizing Transport: Policies & Strategies For Aviation, Maritime, and Land,” will explore potential pathways to reduce emissions across all transportation sectors.
As the pressure to mitigate climate change intensifies, COP29 provides the IMO with an opportunity to position itself as a leader in maritime decarbonization. By fostering cooperation across industries and championing its newly developed Net-Zero Framework, the IMO hopes to solidify its role in achieving a sustainable, low-emission future for global shipping.
