DCU Programme on Carbon Pricing for Shipping
A platform for capacity building and knowledge exchange on the role of carbon pricing in shipping's decarbonization
Mission of the Programme
We design and deliver training programmes to delegates to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) from developing countries — especially African States, LDCs, and SIDS — on the use and implementation of carbon pricing to decarbonize international shipping.
The programme aims to enhance delegate capacity and strengthen their participation in IMO negotiations while also allowing space for knowledge exchange and networking.
Participants from more than 50 countries have taken part in the programme so far.
Background - The decarbonisation of shipping
Shipping is the cornerstone of international trade. However, it is also responsible for a considerable share of global GHG emissions and this is expected to grow substantially in the coming decades unless action is taken.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN agency responsible for international shipping, is currently working on reducing emissions under the framework of its 2023 GHG Strategy. The strategy's goal is for shipping to reach net-zero GHG emissions "by or around 2050". To achieve this, a suite of measures will be introduced, including a marine fuel standard and a GHG pricing mechanism. Current negotiations are focused on what form this mechanism should take and what possible impacts such a mechanism may have on States.
Our training programmes seek to enhance IMO delegates' capacity on carbon pricing mechanisms and to strengthen their informed participation in IMO negotiations on the topic. We hope this will help contribute to the timely and equitable decarbonization of the shipping sector.