The 6PAC+ alliance, representing Pacific Island nations, expressed frustration over the lack of strong action at the 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) Working Group, which wrapped up in London this month.
Despite some progress on key elements of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) net-zero framework, the failure to secure consensus on critical measures such as a universal carbon levy has delayed urgent efforts to decarbonise the shipping industry.
The 6PAC+ alliance, which includes Belize, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, and other Pacific Island nations, has been a vocal advocate for the immediate implementation of a universal carbon levy on global shipping emissions. This levy would generate funds to support vulnerable nations impacted by climate change, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
The group expressed disappointment that the Working Group could not agree on the levy, despite acknowledging the need for economic mechanisms to incentivise the transition to low-emission fuels. The issue has now been pushed to the next session, MEPC 83, leaving vulnerable nations without the financial support they desperately need.
One of the few wins for the 6PAC+ alliance at MEPC 82 was the agreement to conduct studies on how GHG measures could affect food security in SIDS and LDCs. These nations are highly dependent on maritime trade for essential goods, and there are concerns that rising shipping costs linked to GHG reduction measures could disproportionately affect access to food and basic supplies.
The studies will involve assessments from international organisations such as the FAO and the World Food Programmes, with the results expected to guide future decisions on how to mitigate these risks.
While the Working Group made progress in streamlining technical aspects of the IMO’s mid-term GHG reduction measures, it failed to agree on specific targets and timelines for emissions cuts. This unresolved issue has left a significant gap in the IMO’s decarbonisation plan, a major concern for 6PAC+ nations that are already facing the devastating effects of rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
The mid-term measures are crucial to achieving the IMO’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, and the failure to agree on key details could slow down the global transition to cleaner shipping.
The 6PAC+ alliance has been steadfast in its calls for any economic mechanism established by the IMO to be transparent and equitable. At MEPC 82, they succeeded in securing broad agreement that the design of any global levy must prioritise vulnerable nations, ensuring that funds are distributed in a way that supports those most affected by climate change.
With key decisions deferred to MEPC 83, the 6PAC+ alliance is preparing for another round of intense negotiations. Their focus will remain on securing agreement on a universal carbon levy, setting clear emissions reduction targets, and ensuring that vulnerable nations receive the support they need to transition to a low-carbon future. The clock is ticking, and for the 6PAC+ alliance, the stakes could not be higher. As climate impacts worsen, Pacific Island nations are determined to push the IMO towards stronger, faster, and more equitable solutions to the global maritime emissions crisis.