 |
Tarin Hasan |
Green
Voyage 2050 is a global initiative guided by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) to support developing countries in reducing greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions from the shipping sector. It focuses on assisting countries in
developing National Action Plans (NAPs). It
will also facilitate in creating strategic frameworks to reduce maritime
GHG emissions through implementing MARPOL Annex VI .
The
Green Voyage 2050 itself is not a legal instrument. It is a technical
cooperation and capacity-building initiative under the International Maritime
Organization (IMO). However, it operates within and supports the implementation
of existing international legal frameworks which are focused on maritime
emissions and environmental protection. MARPOL Annex VI sets global limits which are globally binding on sulfur oxides (SOₓ), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ),
and greenhouse gas emissions from ships. It establishes the concept of Energy
Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP),
and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) requirements. Green Voyage 2050 helps
states ratify, implement, and enforce Annex VI. IMO Initial GHG Strategy (2018,
Revised 2023) is a strategic policy adopted by IMO Member States. It sets
targets for reducing total annual GHG emissions from shipping by at least 50%
by 2050 (now targeting net zero around 2050). GreenVoyage2050 is designed to
operationalize this strategy, especially in developing countries. While
shipping is regulated by the IMO, Green Voyage 2050 aligns with UNFCCC climate
objectives (e.g., the Paris Agreement). It supports countries in contributing
to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) related to maritime emissions. Regional
port state control regimes (e.g., Paris MOU, Tokyo M0U) use MARPOL standards. GreenVoyage2050
trains national inspectors and maritime authorities to enforce these legal
standards.Image source : International Maritime Organization
In
response to the alarming climate crisis and the urgent need for sustainable
practices within the global shipping sector, the International Maritime
Organization (IMO), in collaboration with partner countries, has established
the Green Voyage 2050 initiative. It was launched in 2019 in partnership with
the Government of Norway. Later, it aligns with the IMO's 2023 GHG Strategy,
aiming for net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050.This
strategic initiative aims to support developing nations in achieving compliance
with international objectives. It will foster low-carbon maritime operations. It provides a
diverse approach, including technical assistance, policy development support,
training, and the execution of pilot projects. These include innovative solutions
such as alternative fuels, energy-efficient ship technologies, and sustainable
port operations. With all of these pilots, Green Voyage 2050 facilitates the
testing and scaling of practical, context-specific measures that contribute
meaningfully to emissions reductions.
Decarbonizing
the maritime sector demands not only technological innovation but also
political will and cultural transformation. As the international community
advances toward the 2050 target , Green Voyage
2050 stands as a model of cooperative environmental governance. Its emphasis on
inclusive participation, knowledge transfer, and scalable innovation. They
prepare it as a key instrument in safeguarding the maritime sector’s future
while preserving the planet for generations to come. In February 2025, nine
countries were selected as partners for the Green Voyage 2050 initiative.
Bangladesh, Egypt, Ghana, Mexico, and Nigeria will receive aid in developing
National Action Plans (NAPs) to reduce GHG emissions from shipping. Additionally,
India, Indonesia, Turkey, and Viet Nam will receive assistance in conducting
feasibility of pilot projects aimed at
reducing emissions. These efforts align with the plan of net-zero emissions
from international shipping by or around 2050.
Bangladesh,
a key partner in the IMO’s Green Voyage 2050 initiative, is actively working to
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its maritime sector. This
collaboration desires to fit with Bangladesh’s shipping industry with the IMO’s
2023 GHG Strategy, targeting net-zero emissions by or around
2050. Bangladesh is formulating a comprehensive National Action Plan (NAP)
to serve as a strategic roadmap. This plan will integrate shipping, port
operations, and energy policies, focusing on enhancing data collection
,establishing emission baselines, promoting the use of cleaner fuels, retrofitting
domestic fleets for improved energy efficiency, advancing green ship design and
sustainable shipbuilding practices, providing targeted training for seafarers
and port managers. These efforts aim to align Bangladesh’s maritime sector
with national development goals and international climate commitments.
In
a world struggling with the dire consequences of climate change, the shipping
industry which is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions is
undergoing a vital transformation. Green Voyage 2050, a pioneering initiative
led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in partnership with
developing countries, aims to steer maritime transport toward a greener, more
sustainable future. As the world charts a course toward net-zero emissions,
Green Voyage 2050 stands as a ray of hope and a model of inclusive progress.
With continued commitment, collaboration, and innovation, the voyage toward a
cleaner ocean and a healthier planet looks promising.
Author Details:
Tarin Hasan,
Lecturer, Department of law, Southern University