As the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC82) concludes in London, the 6PAC+ coalition representing Pacific and Caribbean Island nations has spearheaded the call for a universal maritime emissions levy.
This levy aims to fund decarbonisation efforts for ships and promote climate justice.
With strong backing from leaders of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), the coalition’s message is clear: urgent global action is needed to protect their future.
These nations are advocating for a system that would direct funds to help countries decarbonise their shipping industries, with the goal of ensuring a just and equitable transition.
Their push is shaping the conversation at the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) MEPC meetings, including the upcoming Intersessional Working Group on Greenhouse Gases (ISWG GHG18) and MEPC 2025.
Pacific leaders have made their presence felt, traveling to London to demand action.
Special Envoy for Climate Change and Environment from Vanuatu Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of Infrastructure Development, Solomon Islands, Manasseh Maelanga, Minister of Transportation, Communication & Information Technology for Republic of the Marshall Islands Hilton Kendall, Ambassador Moses Kouni Mose from the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu Minister for Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation, Simon Kofe joined their delegations in the critical MEP82 discussions last week have been vocal advocates, making sure their calls for climate action are heard on the global stage.
These small nations may be vulnerable to climate change, but they are leading the charge for global solutions demanding that the maritime industry takes responsibility for its emissions and contributes to a more sustainable, equitable future.
