The final negotiations took place in London within the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on measures to limit emissions from seagoing vessels. There was intensive debate on both technical and economic elements in the policy proposal.

During these discussions, the Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association (KBRV) advocated an independent levy on emissions as an economic element. Unfortunately, this proposal did not receive sufficient support and was not included in the final agreement.

Wilfried Lemmens, KBRV Managing Director, responded:

“The Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association regrets that the IMO member states have not succeeded in agreeing on a global levy, as this would have been the simplest and most efficient way for the maritime sector to achieve the climate objectives. Nevertheless, we are pleased that an agreement has been reached at the international level that will benefit the global level playing field and which we can build upon.”

The approved proposal consists of a technical measure coupled with an economic incentive. This means that from 2028 onwards, ships will only be allowed to use fuels that do not exceed a predetermined greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity threshold. If this threshold is exceeded, a payment will be due. Before implementation, however, the measure still needs to be adopted by an extra-ordinary MEPC beginning of October.

KBRV will be studying the technical details over the coming weeks, and will continue its close collaboration with international partners such as the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and national authorities such as the Belgian Federal Department for Mobility on the implementation of the framework.

In light of this global measure, the KBRV will work with all relevant authorities to preserve the new global level playing field without any additional parallel regional legislations, in the interest of coherent and efficient regulation and preserving the competitiveness of Belgian shipping.