Context:
Member states of the International Maritime Organization have voted in favour of a global pricing system to help curb maritime carbon emissions.
IMO Net-zero Framework:
- Integrates mandatory emissions limits and Green House Gas pricing, targeting the global shipping industry.
- Shipping is responsible for 3% of global GHG emissions.
- Incorporation into MARPOL – The framework will become part of Annex VI (focused on air pollution) under MARPOL.
- Objective – Achieve net-zero emissions by around 2050.
- Applicability – Targets large ships (over 5,000 gross tonnage) responsible for 85% of CO₂ emissions from international shipping.
- Compliance Requirements –
- Global Fuel Standard – Progressively reduce GHG fuel intensity annually.
- Global Economic Measure – Ships exceeding GFI limits must buy remedial units, while low-GHG ships earn financial incentives.
- Net-zero Fund – Collects contributions via emissions pricing.
MARPOL:
- International convention from 1973 to combat pollution from ships
- Comprises 6 annexes addressing different pollution types.
- Governed by – International Maritime Organization, a UN maritime agency.
Source: TOI
Previous Year Question
With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements:
1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills.
2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)