9 The IMO: Ship-sourced Emissions, Climate Change, and Global Ocean Governance

Abstract

This chapter focusses on the vexed question of climate change and the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) attempts to control and reduce ship-sourced emissions. It notes that, while international maritime transport remains the most energy-efficient mode of mass cargo transport, a global approach to further improvements in energy efficiency and work to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships is highly necessary. After all, sea transport is predicted to grow significantly in the coming years. In line with this, a roadmap has been approved by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) for the development of a comprehensive strategy on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships. Under the roadmap and to provide a long-term vision for the shipping sector, the MEPC will need to address a number of important questions.