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EnglishWhat Is IACS's Position on GHG Emissions from Ships?
Updated
IACS supports the IMO's goal-based regulations as the appropriate global means of addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction from ships. Its stated role is twofold: help develop the practical, detailed technical requirements behind those goals, and support implementation of the proposed technical and operational measures. The full position is set out in IACS's GHG emissions position paper, available from iacs.org.uk.
The core position
IACS frames its stance around one principle: GHG reduction measures should be addressed globally through the IMO's goal-based framework rather than through fragmented regional rules. Within that framework, IACS positions itself as a technical contributor — translating goal-based requirements into workable detail and helping turn proposed measures into implementable practice.
This matters because goal-based regulation sets outcomes (emissions targets, efficiency objectives) but leaves the "how" to technical detail. IACS's contribution sits in that gap: the specifics that ships, designers, and surveyors actually apply.
What IACS says it will do
| Commitment | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Support IMO goal-based regulations | Treat the IMO framework as the primary global route for GHG reduction |
| Assist in developing practical detail requirements | Convert goal-based objectives into specific, applicable technical requirements |
| Support implementation of technical and operational measures | Help put proposed measures into effect across the fleet |
The position paper is the authoritative source for the full argument and any conditions attached to these commitments.
How this fits IACS's wider work
The GHG position sits alongside other IACS position papers on emerging topics — new technologies and fuels (including safety aspects under the IGF Code), maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), and nuclear propulsion. Read together, they show a consistent approach: engage with regulators and industry, contribute technical expertise, and push for requirements that are both safer and practically implementable.
For anyone tracking how shipping's decarbonisation rules will be shaped in detail — not just at the target-setting level — the GHG position paper is the document to read. It is published on iacs.org.uk under Position Papers.