Decarbonization of ships is a goal of the International Maritime Organization

Decarbonization of ships is a goal of the entity, which aims for zero carbon emissions by 2050, with short, medium, and long-term measures (Vanessa Rodrigues/AT)

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has its sights set on the sustainability and automation of maritime transport. The entity is responsible for measures to enhance maritime safety, protect the sector worldwide, prevent pollution from ships, and is also involved in legal matters.

Headquartered in London, England, this specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) was established in 1948 in Geneva, Switzerland, though its first meeting was only held in 1959. Brazil is one of the 176 IMO Member States — having joined in 1963. Additionally, there are 66 intergovernmental organizations with observer status and 85 international non-governmental entities with consultative status.

“The strategic plan for the 2024-2029 period aims to increase recognition of the sector’s importance for global trade, focusing on reviewing, developing, implementing, and ensuring regulatory compliance, as well as achieving the objectives of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Decade of Ocean Science”, explains Eliane Octaviano, jurist, director of the Maritime Law Academy (MLAw), and columnist for A Tribuna.

Maritime, Port, and Regulatory Law attorney Thiago Miller, also a columnist for A Tribuna, further details the competencies of the IMO in standardizing and guiding the operation of ports, vessels, and transported cargo — referred to by the organization as “facilitation. ”

“The common guidance on activities facilitates international flow and prevents each country from developing widely divergent legislation, promoting good relations in international maritime logistics. Additionally, the entity plays an important role in safeguarding the lives of seafarers, developing rescue protocols and training that are crucial in reducing risks in the industry”, he details.

Future In a statement, the IMO explained that its actions focus on three main areas. One is the decarbonization of maritime transport. To achieve the zero-emission target by around 2050, short, medium, and long-term measures are being developed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Mandatory short-term actions came into effect in 2023, requiring ships to meet technical requirements for energy efficiency and carbon intensity.

“The proposed medium-term measures are currently being discussed by member states, comprising a maritime fuel standard that regulates the gradual reduction of greenhouse gas intensity of maritime fuel; and an economic element, based on an emission pricing mechanism. Once finalized, they are expected to be adopted in 2025, with entry into force planned for 2027”, the entity states.

More goals Another focus area is digitalization and automation, including port procedure automation. Since January 1, all Member States have been required to implement Maritime Single Window systems. This aims to simplify the procedures for ships staying in ports, increasing overall efficiency, reducing vessel stay time, and optimizing processes. The concept has already been adopted in Brazil since 2011 through the Porto Sem Papel (PSP) program, now coordinated by the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor).

This includes the regulation of autonomous ships, which require little or no human intervention to operate. “Autonomous and remotely controlled ships are being tested in some maritime areas, though most forecasts indicate they will be limited to short trips”, says the IMO.

The entity is drafting the International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code, an international safety code) to regulate these vessels, with optional regulations to be adopted in 2025 and mandatory regulations later.

The third focus area is ocean protection. The theme for World Maritime Day 2025 is Our Ocean, Our Responsibility, Our Opportunity.

“This theme reflects the vital role of the ocean in the global economy, with more than 80% of global trade carried by sea. As the largest sector operating in the ocean space, shipping has a central role in protecting the marine environment and managing ocean resources,” the entity states.

Global code in development Brazilian lawyer Andréia Propp Arend participated in the Maritime Safety Committee and intersessional meetings on this topic, both online and in person, as a doctoral candidate in Maritime Studies at the Naval War College and authorized by the Brazilian Navy.

“The debates cover pre-established topics, in line with the timeline for drafting the MASS Code, addressing principles, structure, chapter organization, terminology, and considerations on necessary amendments to IMO instruments, among other points”, she explains.

The lawyer notes that during the 108th meeting of the Maritime Safety Committee held in May, the completion of the non-mandatory version of the MASS Code was scheduled for May 2025, and the mandatory version for July 2030, with the latter expected to enter into force on January 1, 2032. The 109th meeting is scheduled to take place from December 2 to 6.

Areas for improvement in the IMO Despite its diverse and significant agenda, lawyer Thiago Miller believes there are areas that can be improved within the IMO.

Miller points out that the organization does not address stricter inspection or regulation of ships flying flags of tax havens that engage in environmentally degrading practices or poor labor relations.

“There are many countries with large fleets despite limited coastlines, and we cannot allow this fiscal manipulation to undermine other actors who strictly follow protocols”, he asserts.

The lawyer also notes that the IMO should focus on ship recycling. “The organization already has a drafted Convention awaiting adoption by more States, reflecting on safety and environmental protection, core themes that also guide its operations”, he concludes.