The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a leading classification society, has proposed incorporating energy efficiency credits into the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) “net-zero emissions” framework.
According to sea-news.az the main goal of the proposal is to accelerate emissions reductions in the shipping sector during the transition period before alternative and low-carbon fuels are fully adopted.
ABS argues that since the shift to green fuels will take time, carbon credit mechanisms based on energy efficiency improvements could serve as an effective transitional tool. The organization notes that energy efficiency in shipping has improved by more than 20% over the past decade, with further potential still available.
Under the proposal, emissions reductions achieved through measures such as route optimization, air lubrication systems, wind-assisted propulsion technologies, and AI-based operational systems could be eligible for credits. These surplus credits could then be traded between shipping fleets.
According to ABS, this approach could act as a practical bridge toward widespread adoption of green fuels and encourage shipowners to invest more actively in emissions reduction technologies.
