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IMO on track to deliver Revised GHG Strategy - Secretary GeneralIMO on track to deliver Revised GHG Strategy - Secretary General

Speaking in Qatar Arsenio Dominguez recognises geopolitical and regulatory advances as IMO remains on track to meet Revised GHG Strategy timeline.

Gary Howard, Middle East correspondent

February 5, 2025

2 Min Read
IMO Secretary General speaking at Seatrade Maritime Qatar
Image: Informa Markets

At the opening of Seatrade Maritime Qatar on February 4, Secretary General of the IMO Arsenio Dominguez said the release of the crew of Galaxy Leader was geopolitical progress for shipping and a positive step towards resumption of trade via the Red Sea.

“We need to keep an eye on the situation, and we will continue to work with all our partners around the world. I want to appreciate those governments that took very active steps in order to guarantee and secure that shipping can continue to navigate in safe water, and the State of Qatar is one of those that was very active and continues to be within the United Nations processes,” said Dominguez.

Turning to the topic of decarbonisation, Dominguez said he had been impressed during a tour of Hamad Port the previous day, by its design to meet current operational needs and the vision for future expansion at Qatar’s main port.

“One key aspect is how the port is already monitoring emissions from ships on a daily basis and emissions across the operations of the port in order to improve its green credentials,” said Dominguez.

On the IMO’s own progress towards creating the regulatory framework to support the decarbonisation of international shipping, Dominguez said it was on-track to deliver the timeline set out in the Revised GHG Strategy. Mid-term measures are due to be agreed at the critical MEPC 83 meeting in April, for adoption later this year.

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“When it comes to the economic measure, I continue to repeat the message that I will not label a measure. We still have several proposals on the table, but what is encouraging is the good conversations that member states together with stakeholders continue to have in order to reach an agreement that both takes into account the concerns that are being expressed and at the same time can meet and help achieve the goals that we set up in the strategy,” said Dominguez.

An increase of around 50% in vessels with alternative fuel propulsion in 2024 was given as an example of decarbonisation progress, mostly ships capable of burning LNG as a fuel. Speaking in one of the world’s largest LNG exporting nations, Dominguez said LNG was a fuel in transition as much as a transition fuel, and that the industry needs to address technological concerns and assess how LNG continues to play a role in the decarbonisation journey.

As well as touching on crewing and the importance of technology in increasing ship efficiency, Dominguez said the IMO was working on guidelines to address seafarer abandonment, calling for the support of member states to address areas beyond the competency of IMO.

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About the Author

Gary Howard

Middle East correspondent

Gary Howard is the Middle East Correspondent for Seatrade Maritime News and has written for Seatrade Cruise, Seatrade Maritime Review and was News Editor at Lloyd’s List. Gary’s maritime career started after catching the shipping bug during a research assignment for the offshore industry. Working out of Seatrade's head office in the UK, he also produces and contributes to conference programmes for Seatrade events including CMA Shipping, Seatrade Maritime Logistics Middle East and Marintec. 

Gary’s favourite topics within the maritime industry are decarbonisation and wind-assisted propulsion; he particularly enjoys reporting from industry events.

Conferences & Webinars

Gary Howard regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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