As the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) convenes in Nice, Opportunity Green, Seas At Risk, and Transport & Environment are urging nations to incorporate international shipping emissions into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. This call to action is particularly relevant as discussions lead up to COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
Legal analyses indicate that shipping emissions fall within the scope of the Paris Agreement’s “economy-wide emission” coverage, highlighting a significant gap in climate plans for many countries. The recent approval of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework during the 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee marks a historic achievement.
This framework aims to establish legally binding measures to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in shipping, aligning with the IMO’s 2023 Revised Strategy emission reduction targets. Despite this progress, the agreement does not sufficiently fulfill the climate and equity obligations previously established by the IMO.
Therefore, nations must implement additional policies at national and regional levels to complement this framework. Incorporating shipping emissions into NDCs is crucial for giving countries the authority to implement regulatory measures against the significant climate effects of shipping.
Achieving this would also provide the necessary encouragement for industry investment in zero-emission solutions. Including maritime emissions in NDCs aligns with the UNOC’s mission to enhance ocean conservation and sustainable usage.
Experts from the organizations emphasize the urgency of this integration. Aoife O’Leary from Opportunity Green highlights the need for accountability regarding shipping emissions.
Anaïs Rios of Seas At Risk points out the environmental damage caused by maritime pollution, urging decision-makers to recognize these emissions in their climate strategies. Faig Abbasov from Transport & Environment insists that countries must amend their NDCs to include shipping emissions, holding the sector accountable for its share in combatting climate change.
As the global community meets in Nice, it is essential for governments to take decisive action that ensures the maritime sector contributes effectively to climate goals.