At the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, maritime business leaders and cargo owners issued a joint statement urging immediate action on maritime decarbonization.
As the shipping industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental impact, the leaders emphasised the need for a global regulatory framework to accelerate the transition to zero and near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) fuels.
The statement, delivered at the UN Headquarters in New York, called for innovative policies and financial mechanisms to close the price gap between conventional and green fuels, ensuring a level playing field for all stakeholders.
“We encourage all UN Member States to work together towards innovative solutions to foster the production and infrastructure for sustainable marine fuels,” the statement read, underscoring the urgency of scaling up green fuel adoption.
In a related development, INTERCARGO, which represents 30% of the global bulk carrier fleet, endorsed a simplified approach to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) mid-term GHG reduction strategy. The association supported key measures such as a streamlined pricing mechanism and a well-to-wake emissions accounting system.
“The path to shipping’s decarbonization must be paved with practical, implementable solutions,” said INTERCARGO Secretary General Kostas Gkonis. “Our support for these measures reflects our sector’s commitment to environmental responsibility while maintaining operational efficiency in global trade.”
These developments highlight a growing consensus within the maritime industry for collaborative, global efforts to achieve sustainable shipping practices.
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