International shipping emissions to be halved

A maritime greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy adopted at the United Nations International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has been welcomed by New Zealand ministers.

The IMO has agreed a strategy to reduce international shipping emissions by 50% before 2050, compared to 2008 levels, and urgently phase out emissions from shipping this century.

Electric shipping, especially for ferries and freight, has been making rapid progress in some countries.

“This is another important breakthrough in the global effort to preserve a safe and stable climate for future generations,” climate change minister James Shaw says of the IMO deal.

“There is now clear agreement that international shipping must urgently act to reduce emissions.

“I thank all those involved in the negotiations, especially the members of the High Ambition Coalition led by the Marshall Islands, who pushed for an effective outcome,” Shaw says.

Associate transport minister Julie Anne Genter says the transport sector has an important role to play in the global climate change effort.

“Developing clean, low-emission shipping will be vital for island nations like New Zealand and our Pacific neighbours,” she says.

“The IMO strategy is another significant example of what can be achieved when governments step up and countries work together.”