Cyprus joins Mediterranean bloc seeking changes to IMO shipping emissions framework

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus has joined Greece, Italy and Malta in raising concerns over proposed global shipping decarbonisation rules ahead of negotiations at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Mediterranean reservations

The four countries have expressed concerns about the economic consequences of the proposed framework, including the cost of alternative fuels, emissions pricing and the competitiveness of European shipping.

Newmoney reported on Friday, citing Euractiv, that the European Commission was seeking a united EU position before the next round of IMO negotiations, while Greece continued to oppose the current approach.

According to the report, Cyprus, Italy and Malta also raised reservations during European discussions. Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Malta did not sign the final EU agreement reached in late August.

Commission calls for unity

Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra told Euractiv that European unity at the IMO was “imperative” and that the expectation was for the “European family” to be on the same page.

He did not say whether the Commission could take action against Greece if Athens again departed from the agreed EU position.

Euractiv reported that Greece has also held discussions with the US, Saudi Arabia and other countries on alternative approaches to the proposed framework.

Net-Zero Framework

The disagreement concerns the IMO Net-Zero Framework, which would introduce a global marine fuel standard and a greenhouse gas emissions pricing mechanism.

Under the current draft, ships would progressively reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of the energy they use across the full fuel lifecycle, from production to consumption.

Ships exceeding the prescribed limits would have to compensate through surplus units or purchase remedial units through the proposed IMO Net-Zero Fund.