The Cook Islands advocates for a balanced maritime levy, ensuring Small Island Developing States are not disproportionately burdened and maintaining vital shipping access.

The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships concluded its 18th session (ISWG-GHG 18) last month.

This session held from 17 to 21 February marked a critical step in advancing global efforts to decarbonise international shipping and mitigate climate change impacts.

The Cook Islands delegation to ISWG-GHG 18 continues to advocate for a balanced approach to the proposed maritime GHG levy, emphasising that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) must not be disproportionately burdened by new regulations.

With the implementation of the Paris Agreement facing significant challenges, and considering that shipping contributes only 3 per cent of global emissions, the push for a substantial shipping levy could be seen as disproportionate and potentially misdirected. This could divert attention and resources from addressing the larger sources of climate change, particularly given the significant reliance of SIDS and other vulnerable countries on shipping as a vital lifeline.

Foreign Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann reaffirmed the Cook Islands’ position:

“The Cook Islands has consistently called for measures that uphold safe, secure, timely, and affordable shipping to remote island states – without which our island economies, community livelihoods, and culture cannot survive.”

“As we prepare for MEPC 83, we urge proponents to provide clear demonstrations of how their measures will address these critical needs while advancing global climate goals.”

The Cook Islands remains proactively engaged in IMO negotiations and continues to collaborate with international partners to ensure SIDS perspectives are effectively represented in global maritime policy discussions.

During ISWG-GHG 18, the Working Group reviewed outcomes from the Expert Workshop held on 13 February 2025, focusing on potential impacts of mid-term GHG reduction measures on food security. It was recommended that the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) ensure these impacts are considered in the development of the IMO’s net-zero framework.

Discussions also progressed on technical and economic elements of mid-term measures, including a goal-based marine fuel standard and a maritime GHG levy. The Working Group acknowledged the need to resolve key policy differences before MEPC 83 in April 2025, where amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to implement the “IMO Net-Zero Framework” are expected to be considered.

The outcomes of ISWG-GHG 18 reflect progress in IMO’s ongoing efforts to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping, underscoring the collective commitment to environmental sustainability while addressing challenges in achieving consensus on effective measures.