As the holder of the EU presidency, Denmark has a special role in the negotiations on behalf of the EU. The goal is to adopt the IMO Net Zero Framework (NZF) – a historic regulation that will bring international shipping closer to climate neutrality in or around 2050. The regulation is expected to enter into force in 2027.
The new regulation will introduce global requirements for ships’ fuels and an economic element designed to promote the use of green fuels and ensure that the sector gradually reduces its greenhouse gas emissions.
Brian Wessel, Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority:
The coming days will be decisive for global climate regulation of shipping. Denmark and the EU have worked purposefully to secure the adoption of the IMO Net Zero Framework. But the final negotiations will be tough.
The overall package submitted for adoption also includes the world’s largest emission control area in the North-East Atlantic. Denmark and several other countries have worked closely together to secure the approval. With the emission control area, emissions of sulphur, nitrogen and black carbon from shipping will be reduced to improve air quality and benefit the climate. The area will cover sea regions stretching from Portugal around the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland. It is expected to enter into force as early as 2027.