(Commonwealth)_ As the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meets in London this week, the global spotlight is on critical negotiations to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the shipping industry. With nearly all 56 Commonwealth countries dependent on maritime trade, the outcome of these talks will have major implications for climate action, global trade, and the economic resilience of nations, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and lower-income maritime economies.
In the lead-up to these high-stakes negotiations, the Commonwealth Secretariat convened a high-level webinar titled “Decarbonizing Shipping: Key Decisions in IMO GHG Negotiations and their Global Impact.” More than 120 participants from 30 Commonwealth nations, comprising policymakers, negotiators, and industry experts, came together to align strategies, share insights, and prepare for the MEPC’s pivotal decisions.
The session opened with remarks from Roel Hoenders, Head of Climate Action and Clean Air at the IMO. He emphasized the significance of the IMO’s 2023 Revised GHG Strategy, which sets a target for the global shipping industry to achieve net-zero emissions by or around 2050. “The key challenge now is to ensure that regulatory measures are finalised in a way that is both effective and equitable,” Hoenders said, stressing the importance of addressing the concerns of countries vulnerable to economic shocks.
The webinar featured a keynote address by Dr. Tristan Smith, Associate Professor in Energy and Transport at University College London . He provided a comprehensive overview of the technical and economic landscape shaping the transition to low-carbon shipping. Dr. Smith highlighted the urgency of coordinated international action, noting that while progress is underway, the pace of transformation must increase dramatically to meet the 2050 target.
The heart of the discussion focused on balancing climate ambition with economic realities. A distinguished panel tackled this complex issue, including Dr Neil Balchin (Commonwealth Secretariat), Dr Oma Ofodile (Nigerian Maritime Administration), John Kautoke (Legal Adviser to the “6PAC” Coalition), and Kaylon Young (Ports Commissioner of the Belize Port Authority).
Dr Ofodile pointed out that for developing maritime nations like Nigeria, the shift to cleaner shipping technologies presents both hurdles and new avenues for growth. “With the right investments, decarbonisation could unlock significant new energy and trade opportunities, reinforcing economic resilience while contributing to global climate goals,” she said.
Representing the Pacific, John Kautoke emphasized the vulnerability of island states that rely heavily on shipping as a lifeline. Without targeted support, he cautioned that SIDS could fall behind in the transition. “Decarbonisation policies must reflect the realities of remote island economies and provide the infrastructure and finance necessary for a just transition,” he said.
Echoing this call, Kaylon Young stressed the need for capacity building and technology transfer to help developing countries meet new IMO regulations. He advocated for access to affordable, cleaner technologies to ensure that the push toward low-emission shipping does not further burden less-developed economies.
Dr Neil Balchin added that many Commonwealth nations already face high trade costs, and the transition to greener shipping could raise these further in the short term. However, he also noted that these changes could trigger a broader reconfiguration of global supply chains, likely resulting in greater regional trade and more resilient maritime networks.
The Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, recently adopted, was also spotlighted during the webinar as a rallying point for ocean-based climate solutions. It includes a strong call for the decarbonisation of international shipping as part of wider efforts to protect marine ecosystems and mitigate climate change.
In closing, Kenroy Simmons, Legal Adviser for Ocean Governance at the Commonwealth Secretariat, reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s support for its member states. “We will continue to provide technical assistance, ensuring our members are equipped to negotiate fair, effective solutions at the IMO,” he said.
As MEPC negotiations proceed, the next few months will be critical in shaping a regulatory framework that meets the world’s climate goals while safeguarding the economic futures of vulnerable nations. The Commonwealth remains committed to ensuring that the transition to low-carbon shipping is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
