International shipping
In April 2018, the International Maritime Organization agreed to reduce GHG emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared with a 2008 baseline, with carbon intensity reduction targets for 2030 and 2050.
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This historical milestone will need to be quickly followed by dedicated polices and other measures. Because of the large price gap between conventional and clean energy technologies, ambitious and timely measures enabling strong efficiency improvements and rapid fuel switching to low-carbon fuels are vital.
Last updated Aug 28, 2020
Key findings
CO2 emissions from international shipping, 2010-2019, and in the Sustainable Development Scenario, 2030
OpenNew regulations on emissions will need to be followed by dedicated policies and measures
International shipping accounted for around 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions in 2019. Ambitious and concrete policies are needed to meet the goals set forth by the International Maritime Organisation to reach carbon neutrality in the second half of the century. Reducing carbon intensity in the near term, for instance through energy efficiency measures and slow steaming, is a priority. Over the longer term, policies are needed to promote the adoption of low- and zero-carbon fuels and technologies for oceangoing vessels.