Sponsored By

IMO adopts net-zero by 2050 strategy, already cruising's goalIMO adopts net-zero by 2050 strategy, already cruising's goal

International Maritime Organization member states agreed to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from shipping close to 2050, a 'monumental development' but a goal the cruise industry already had.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

July 7, 2023

1 Min Read
CRUISE IMO
IMO's 2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy was unanimously adopted by member statesPHOTO: IMO

The IMO also committed to an uptake of alternative zero and near-zero GHG fuels by 2030, and to reduce GHG from shipping 'at least 20%, striving for 30%, by 2030, compared to 2008,' and 'at least 70%, striving for 80%, by 2040, compared to 2008.'

'A starting point'

'The adoption of the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy is a monumental development for IMO and opens a new chapter towards maritime decarbonization,' IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said. 'At the same time, it is not the end goal, it is in many ways a starting point for the work that needs to intensify even more over the years and decades ahead of us. However, with the revised strategy ... we have a clear direction, a common vision and ambitious targets to guide us to deliver what the world expects from us.'

Catching up with the cruise industry

The cruise industry, through Cruise Lines International Association, had already committed to pursue net-zero carbon operations by 2050.

And the cruise industry's intermediary objective to reduce the rate of carbon emissions 40% across the global fleet by 2030, compared to 2008, is more ambitious than the IMO's 'at least 20%, striving for 30%.'

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

The latest cruise news, analysis and more straight to your inbox
Get the free newsletter read by industry experts

You May Also Like