As autumn leaves began to fall, the global shipping community turned its attention to London in early October as the 82nd session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82) convened. As is always the case with committees like these, the halls of the IMO headquarters buzzed with crucial discussions that promise to reshape the maritime industry’s approach to environmental sustainability.
MEPC 82 saw significant progress on the IMO Net-Zero Framework, with advancements on a goal-based marine fuel standard and potential economic mechanisms geared towards driving shipping to carbon neutrality. This signals a yet another new chapter in maritime decarbonisation, aligning with the ambitious targets set in the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy.
One of the major developments at MEPC 82 earlier this month was the consideration of wind propulsion in the Greenhouse Gas Fuel Intensity (GFI) formula. Ahead of the committee meeting, the International Windship Association (IWSA) submitted a proposal to include wind-propulsion systems, such as Rotor Sails, in the GFI calculation. This proposal recognises wind as a zero-emission energy source, consistent with the 2024 LCA Guidelines where wind is designated as pathway 128.
The IWSA’s proposal suggests that the energy delivered by wind-propulsion systems should be accounted for in the ship’s carbon intensity formula. This includes calculating a method to quantify this energy in terms of the ‘energy equivalent’ of a conventional internal combustion engine, taking into account the efficiency losses in traditional propulsion systems.
While this proposal was not explicitly discussed during the session, it aligns with the industry’s growing interest in sustainable propulsion technologies. At Anemoi, we strongly support the IWSA’s initiative as the inclusion of wind propulsion in the GFI formula could provide a significant incentive for shipowners to adopt these innovative technologies, further driving the maritime sector towards its decarbonisation goals. Our Rotor Sail technology is a prime example of how wind propulsion can be effectively integrated into modern shipping, and we believe its recognition in the GFI formula would be a crucial step forward.
Looking ahead, the committee took a pragmatic approach, agreeing on a two-phase plan to review short-term greenhouse gas reduction measures, including the much-discussed Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). This review could open up exciting possibilities for innovative technologies, such as Rotor Sails, that enhance vessel efficiency and reduce emissions.
MEPC 82 also saw a number of other important agreements reached to help curtail vessel emissions and form up a more sustainable shipping industry. These included the designation of new Emission Control Areas in the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea, fresh guidance on reducing black carbon emissions in the Arctic, and the approval of an action plan for addressing underwater radiated noise from commercial shipping.
Reflecting on the progress made at MEPC 82, we are reminded of IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez’s words before the meeting: “There will always be room for further improvement and further finalisation and negotiations between [MEPC] 83 and the session in October [2025]. But that’s the way that we operate.” This sentiment rings true as we look towards future meetings and the continued refinement of these crucial regulations, particularly those that empower wind-propulsion technologies in daily vessel operations.
As we look towards MEPC 83 in April 2025, where the regulatory text for the IMO Net-Zero Framework is expected to be approved, the maritime industry is entering an era where innovation in clean technologies will be more crucial than ever. The outcomes of MEPC 82 are creating a regulatory environment that not only encourages but necessitates sustainable solutions.
At Anemoi, we are proud to be part of this transformation, ready to support shipowners with our Rotor Sail technology as they adapt to these evolving regulations. The future of shipping is green, and it is our collective responsibility to harness every available technology, including wind propulsion, to make this vision a reality.