IMSML Website Article 33/2024: Resolution MEPC.367(79) - Encouragement of Member States to Develop and Submit Voluntary National Action Plans to Address GHG Emissions from Ships

This Resolution is applicable in Malaysia via Malaysian Shipping Notice MSN 08/2023, and provides for an ‘Initial Strategy’ that has a candidate short-term measure to encourage the development and update of National Action Plans which target development and strategies to address GHG Emissions in accordance with IMO Guidelines.

It is hoped that this will avoid regional or unilateral measures. The Resolution serves as an invitation to voluntarily submit National Action Plans to IMO that outline policies which could be put into effect as soon as possible. If needed, this could be updated later.

Pursuant to Paragraph 2, the subject-matter of National Action Plans could include, but are not limited to the following (in verbatim):

[1] Improving domestic institutional and legislative arrangements for the effective implementation of existing IMO instruments;

[2] Developing activities to further enhance the energy efficiency of ships;

[3] Initiating research and advancing the uptake of alternative low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels;

[4] encouraging the production and distribution of such fuels for shipping;

[5] accelerating port emission reduction activities, consistent with resolution MEPC.366(79);

[6] fostering capacity-building, awareness-raising and regional cooperation;

[7] Facilitating the development of infrastructure for green shipping; AND …

[8] Facilitating voluntary cooperation through the whole value chain, including ports, to create favourable conditions to

reduce GHG emissions from ships through shipping routes and maritime hubs consistent with international law, including the multilateral trade regime.

Any initiative under this invitation can take into account national conditions, circumstances and priorities, see Paragraph 3. Early actions are encouraged to facilitate the reduction of GHG emissions without awaiting the entry into force of measures in the IMO context, see Paragraph 6. National Action plans can be submitted to the IMO Secretariat, which could then be shared, for example through a dedicated website, see Paragraph 7.

Note, this article concludes all the Resolutions made by the Marine Environment Protection Committee at its 79th Session.

Thank you for reading IMSML Website Article 33/2024

Stay tuned for the next IMSML Website Article 34/2024: Resolution MSC.532(107) - Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (Chapter II-1, II-2, V and XIV)

Signing-off for today,

Dr Irwin Ooi Ui Joo, LL.B(Hons.)(Glamorgan); LL.M (Cardiff); Ph.D (Cardiff); CMILT

Professor of Maritime and Transport Law

Head of the Centre for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution

Faculty of Law

Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam

Selangor, Malaysia

Tuesday,  18 June 2024

Note that I am the corresponding author for the IMSML Website Articles. My official email address is: uijoo310@uitm.edu.my